Water Problems

All I can offer is sympathy, really.

That totally sucks. I'm so sorry.

 

Keep us posted on diagnosis.
It will be good information in the future. if needed.

 

This isn't encouraging. Scott_R lost his baby to a tidal flood.

 

With that many expensive modules damaged I would say that the insurance company would total it.

 

How does auto insurance deal with flood damage? I know home owner's insurance excludes flood damage, but I don't know about cars.

Tom

 

Good Question! My guess is that they will do anything they can to keep from paying. Do I sound cynical? Good, I am.

I do hope it all works out... guess I should check out my policy. Here in Florida I think I have a hurricane rider on my auto policy.

Bob

 

As long as the traction battery was not inundated it may be salvageable, but EVERYTHING under the seat its fried. Unfortunately, by trying to drive it away you probably fried it. If an electronic device, almost ANY electronic device, gets wet but is allowed to completely dry (sometimes taking days to a couple weeks) it will probably work fine. (some cleaning of residue may need to occur) But its the powering up of a device that is wet that usually fries it, or if it is on while it gets wet.

 

So far, we haven't seen a Prius flood car... But, we have repaired quite a few other flood cars at the dealer where I work. We have also seen quite a few totalled by insurance companies. Most insurance companies seem to cover flood damage under the comprehensive section of your policy which also covers fire and theft. The general rule of thumb I have seen adjusters use is "water to the dash = totalled".

Going back in history just a little bit, in Oct 1995, Palm Beach County got hit with massive rainstorms that pounded the northern section. We had over 200 cars towed in with water damage! About half of them had driven into deep water and hydrolocked the engines.

Even now, we still see flood cars from people who think they can "make through an inch or to of water". Then the inch or two becomes an inch or twelve...

 

The car is a a total loss (sorry, that sucks). People will offer you all sorts of opinions as to what they believe you should be entitled to without a) having read your insurance policy or b) being familiar with your state's laws. Do yourself a favor...find your policy and READ it, paying particular attention to the comprehensive coverage section. Your policy is your contract with your insurance policy and it will state with specificity what the company's obligations to you are.

 

Sorry about your car

If you aren't taken care of by insurance, or you consider buying it back for the residual if it is totaled you might talk to Steve at:
Plug In Hybrid Electric Vehicle PHEV

I know he has rebuilt at least one flood damaged Prius.

Rob

 

That's a real shame, especially since your Prius is not going to be quickly replaced. Maybe your insurance company can help you find a used model.

 

wow, that's sad but it's for the best with all the problems that water causes for electronics. there are so many electronic components to this car.

hope you and your family are ok with all the flooding that's going on up that way. though i am kinda curious now how a prius would fare in a tornado

 

I'm sorry for your loss. I hope your insurance is good and gives you a fair amount. You might be prepared by looking for the going rate for comparable operational cars. With the dearth of Prius available, and many dealers getting MSRP+, even a 2004 shouldn't have depreciated very much. While you may not get as much as you paid for it, the value is still high.

 

In a Tornado??!! I hope Dorothy and Toto stepped up for the curtain airbags!!:rain:

 

A Prius would fly uncontrollably just like any other car in a Tornado. Don't wait in the car if a Tornado is around! Find better cover. Even a drainage ditch is better!

Yes, the nav unit is under the seat and is connected to the radio/cd system. If anyone thinks the damage was caused by turning on the wet car, I've got news for you. It's all electronic switching. It's always on, just not fully running.

It's amazing to me that you were able to drive away. I guess the traction battery is as well protected as they say. 200VDC and dirty water = a very dangerous situation unless "steps" are taken.