In the wake of the recent and severe flooding event in the Auckland region, RepairCert NZ is concerned that the owners of flood damaged vehicles* (of which there will be many), are unsure of the appropriate processes to follow to ensure affected vehicles are returned to a safe and roadworthy condition.

Insured or Uninsured Vehicles

Irrespective of whether your vehicle is insured or not, in the first instance, we strongly recommend that regardless of age, flood damaged vehicles are inspected by suitably qualified automotive technicians. This also includes flood damaged motorcycles, as while under normal riding conditions they are exposed to all manner of weather conditions (rain and snow etc.), immersion in flood water has a significantly detrimental effect on many mechanical and electrical components.

Vehicles with Electronics (Later Models and Electric Vehicles)

As a substantial number of vehicles on New Zealand roads have sophisticated electronic safety systems, such as SRS/airbags and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), we strongly recommend that vehicle owners contact the appropriate manufacturers’ franchise (dealership), who will have the necessary equipment and trained technicians to provide the correct advice, or alternatively, contact your insurer. Electric vehicles (Battery Electric (BEV), Hybrid Electric (HEV), and Plug-in (PHEV) that have been water damaged should also be referred to either the appropriate manufacturers’ dealership, or an electric vehicle repair specialist.

Insurance Write-offs and Deregistered Vehicles

If you have purchased a flood damaged, deregistered or ban flagged vehicle, it is extremely important that you contact a Repair Certifier in your region prior to any repairs being undertaken. Deregistered vehicles (cars and motorcycles) are required to go through the compliance process, and a WOF will not be issued without repair certification being completed to enable the ban flag to be removed.

The Specialist Repair Certification System

Repair Certifiers by law, must follow the requirements of the Light Vehicle Repair Certification Vehicle Inspection Requirements Manual (VIRM). Water damaged vehicle repair requirements can be found in Section 9/General Repairs/9.1 Water damage/Table 9.1.1 of this VIRM. This is the appropriate starting point for owners to learn and understand the extent of which parts or components must be replaced on any water damaged vehicles (for clarity, all ‘water damaged’ vehicles are treated as being fully submerged, with no deviations considered by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency).

For more information follow the link:

https://vehicleinspection.nzta.govt.nz/virms/light-vehicle-repair/general-repairs/water-damage

* By definition ‘flood damaged’ vehicles are ‘water damaged’.