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Buyer Beware: NJ Officials Set Up Flood-Damaged Car Database

TRENTON, N.J. (CBSNewYork) - The state of New Jersey has created a new website to help used car buyers identify flood-damaged vehicles.

Superstorm Sandy's massive storm surge and widespread flood damage inundated cars all across the Tri-State Area.

Buyer Beware: NJ Officials Set Up Flood-Damaged Car Database

The cars may have dried out, but officials warn danger could still be lurking.

"The insurance industry estimates that about 230,000 vehicles may have been substantially damaged," New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission Chairman Raymond Martinez told WCBS 880's Peter Haskell.

The new database will help those in the market for a used car identify the ones that are flood damaged.

"An informed consumer is the best and first line of defense," Martinez added.

"Under the law, people have to disclose to you if the car has been damaged by a flood or other severe event," said Consumer Affairs director Eric Kanefsky. "If you just type in the VIN number of a vehicle you're looking to purchase, it will tell you whether or not that car has been flood damaged."

For more information or to check up on a used car for sale, click here.

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