Buying Flood-Damaged Vehicles

Copart has a collection of vehicles damaged by floods and here are some tips on how you can buy one.

What makes a vehicle flood-damaged and should you be purchasing one? 

Take a look at some frequently asked questions about flood-damaged vehicles including, why Copart’s unique relationship with decontamination specialist Polygon provides great value when purchasing a flood-damaged vehicle.  

What is a flood-damaged vehicle?

The term ‘flood-damaged vehicle’ refers to all levels of damage sustained by a form of liquid. This can include cursive, polluted, contaminated, or saltwater. Damage can be to the interior and/or the engine/transmission.  

Why should I buy a flood-damaged vehicle?

Purchasing a flood-damaged can be a cost-effective way to source parts or alternatively, a saving on a vehicle that can be repaired with new parts.  

Who can buy a flood-damaged vehicle?

Any registered Copart Member can purchase a Category N Salvage and Category U flood-damaged vehicle. Category B Breaker vehicles will require a specific licences in order to bid and purchase. Copart can assist you in purchasing Category B vehicles to strip for parts, where you do not have the relevant licences. Simply use our BreakerBid4U service.  

What salvage categories do Copart’s flood-damaged vehicles fall under?

Category B - Breaker vehicles (can only be broken for parts):

• Vehicles with usable parts.

• Vehicles that have corrosive, contaminated, polluted, or saltwater damage.

• Vehicles that have been subjected to flood water ingress in the passenger compartment to a level that causes significant damage to the electrical and safety components.

Category N – Salvage (non-structural – repairable damage):

• All other flood-damaged vehicles fall within this category. The salvage agent will make known to the purchaser the nature and origin of the vehicle’s original damage and specify which parts are safe to handle and re-use.

How does the vehicle benefit from Polygon’s relationship with Copart?

Polygon Decontamination Service (UK Patent No.2472429) uses industry leading restoration technologies to decontaminate fire & water damaged vehicles. This process significantly improves the quality of salvage and ensures completed vehicles are in line with relevant environmental health standards.

How does it work?

1. Flood-damaged vehicles arrive at Copart from a number of insurance partners.

2. Pre-defined criteria determine and select the vehicles that would benefit from the decontamination process and are then sent to Polygon.

3. Polygon completes the decontamination and drying process before returning the vehicle to Copart. For further information on the Polygon process, visit Polygon.

4. Once the vehicle sells, a Polygon report is provided (on request) to the buyer detailing images of before and after the decontamination process, bacteria results, and any other outstanding issues.

5. You will know if a vehicle has been through the Polygon process by the red triangle with the word ‘Flood’ inside displayed under the vehicle’s details.  

How do I register to buy a flood-damaged vehicle? Simply register through Copart’s simple and easy registration page, it takes just 60 seconds to create an account! Once your registration is completed and your Membership has been activated, you can browse and bid on Copart’s extensive stock of flood-damaged vehicles.  

Here are some examples from Copart’s flood-damaged collection of vehicles.