Used Vehicle Buyers Urged to Use Caution in Wake of Flooding

West Virginia residents considering the purchase of a used vehicle should use extra caution in light of last month’s flooding.

That’s the advice of state Attorney General Patrick Morrisey, who says buyers should watch out for offers that seem too good to be true.

Morrisey’s office said in a news release that state law prohibits reselling a submerged vehicle without a salvaged title. The law requires anyone who repairs a total loss to use a specially licensed salvage mechanic and document the redeemed status with a salvage title afterward.

The release also advises questioning any towing company to be sure total loss vehicles don’t become profit for someone else and a problem for an eventual buyer.

Consumers should research a vehicle’s history with the vehicle identification number and evaluating the dealership.