While aiming its message primarily at consumers, dealerships might be able to glean some value from the reminder issued by the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) about the pitfalls of flood-damaged vehicles.

The insurance industry’s association share the message on Thursday as storms and severe flooding continue to impact communities across the United States. Plus, there are already that as many as 530,000 flood-damaged vehicles still in operation, according to CARFAX estimates.

“Every major flooding event creates an opportunity for criminals to profit at the expense of consumers,” National Insurance Crime Bureau president and CEO David Glawe said. “A flood-damaged vehicle may look perfectly normal on the outside, but hidden damage can create serious safety hazards and expensive repair bills in the following months or years.

“Before purchasing any used vehicles, consumers should take advantage of every resource available to ensure they’re making an informed decision,” Glawe continued.

NICB explained that floodwater can cause extensive and lasting damage to a vehicle’s electrical systems, engine, transmission, brakes, and safety features.

The association pointed out that flood-damaged vehicles declared a total loss should carry a salvage or flood title, but “dishonest sellers routinely conceal that history through superficial repairs and ‘title washing’ before reselling to unsuspecting buyers.”

Be the person is a consumer or dealer, NICB recommended to run the vehicle’s VIN through NICB’s free VINCheck service to determine whether it has been reported as a salvage vehicle or total loss by participating NICB member carriers

NICB’s VINCheck is available free of charge and can determine whether a vehicle has been reported as stolen and unrecovered or declared a salvage or total loss by participating NICB member insurers covering more than 92% of the market.

Originally developed following Hurricane Katrina, VINCheck facilitates millions of vehicle verifications each year. As of July 31, VINCheck processed nearly 3 million vehicle checks.

The association also urged consumers and dealers to check for warning signs of flood damage, including musty odors, water stains, rust, silt or mud, mismatched upholstery, and moisture inside the vehicle’s parts

“Be cautious of deals that appear too good to be true,” NICB said.