Flood cars-What would you charge?

jimmybuffit

jimmybuffit

That'll buff right out!
We experienced a rash of strong storms in the last week. As a result, we've been presented with five (so far) vehicles with 3-4 inches of standing water. Our process is to remove seats, consoles, and carpeting. Thoroughly clean, dry and disinfect (Microban/Herbicide/Odor Terminator). 60 minute ozone exposure. Reassemble.



We are currently pricing based on time and materials. We think we are very low, so I'm curious to see what others Pros would charge...



Later, I'll post what we've been charging.



Jim
 
If you're re-installing the flooded(contaminanted) carpet back in the vehicle, your in for a rude awakening! Most late model vehicles are equipped with air bags/SRS and alot of the main harnesses and sensors(along with many other electrical items) are on the center floor pan. If these items aren't professionally addressed, there could be a major safety issue. We have flash floods in S. Florida regularly and when I appraise flood vehicles, I pay to replace the entire carpet assembly. No ifs, and or butts. There really shouldn't be that big of a labor difference for cleaning the carpet and replacing it. I'd suggest teaming up with dealerships or body shops to make sure you're doing the right thing.



Are these vehicles part of an insurance claim?
 
Here's what I usually allow for "reasonable & customary" charges:

*6-8 hours to remove and re-install the carpet, seats and trim

*$150-$250 for complete cleaning/deodorizing and ozone treatment

*any damaged electrical or fabric components are usually replaced

*all diagnostic systems are scanned for trouble codes



Insurance companies *usually* pay a higher mechanical rate if the repair is being performed at a dedicated ASE mechanical shop when a mechanic is doing the repair. I've paid upto $150 per labor hour at Mercedes & BMW dealerships. If a body shop of detail shop is doing the repair, I pay the prevailing labor rate of about $40 per labor hour. It's hard to get more than that if your shop isn't set-up to do these repairs and/or you don't have a posted labor rate in your shop for customers to view.



Also, some states may declare a vehicle an automatic Total Loss if the water goes above the kick panel and into the dash. I'm actually helping a fellow Autopian right now with a flood claim on his Mercedes. So far, the repair cost is up to $40,000 & his insurance company is repairing it!!!
 
The cars are all separate issues... Chevy Cobalt, Geo Prism, Ford Probe, Honda Accord, and Acura TL - the Probe is from an established Body Shop - no Air Bag issues there.



Each car is different but we spend 8-10 hours, not counting 'drying time'.
 
Here is the trick -

sounds like you arent going to get paid what you are worth.



What is the amount they are looking to pay? The guy with the cars may think $300 a car is his threshold, while you may want $975. Situation being, David F will pay him $2000 per car through insurance to get them fixed, and he is looking to make a little. $300 per car will save him from making a claim.



I dont think there is enough info to make a wise quote, if any. This might be an exercise in mental masturbation. Prism, Probe, these are antiques!
 
I probably wouldn't touch them for under $500 each. If I am going to take on a PITA job, I'm going to get well paid to do it.
 
I haven't done anything as extensive as taking an interior apart but I would charge time and materials as well as *something* for the time you have the car but aren't actively working with the vehicle, like drying time, ozone, etc. Be sure to charge for tear down and reassembly as well.
 
Well, I sure appreciate the comments so far.



Our 'published' Shop Rate is $45 per hour. And, we've been averaging ten hours per.

No electrical issues to date. Yes, we read the OBDII Codes.



Since the thread started, we've taken three more cars, the carpet only from an Infinity (removed by Mechanic), and while I'm typing this I booked a Mazda Tribute with a spilled gallon of milk in the rear! At least half of that carpet has to come up.



Jim
 
I did a couple flood damage vehicles at a price that was far too low or just did it to satisfy the customer because I felt unprofessional to turn a customer away because I couldn't help. Because of some discussion on this forum and recommendations from others on here (David is the most experienced and professional in this situation, imo) I have turned down many of these claims and I do not regret it.



I have done a few jobs for dealerships using Microban and Double O for recon cars but I am very hesitant to do it for customers. The dealership does all the removal of the parts that need to be cleaned and the installation. If I would quote a customer for that work it would be well over $1000.



I have had a few question, "Can't you just shampoo it out or something?" but you have to fully explain to them why the process takes so long and why everything must be removed especially when it comes to mold contamination as a serious health issue. The price is so high that even with a little flood damage the insurance company will have to be involved.



To reiterate, in this situation it is to your benefit to get a fair price or turn the work down.
 
I'd also like to add that many things need to be replaced and cannot be safely cleaned. Most types of seating foam and floor padding are included in this. I had one customer who left her sunroof open for a week while we had some monster rain storms. All her leather seats needed to be replaced (among other things) and the insurance 'totaled' her one year old Sentra.
 
Another thing to consider is if a shop makes an incorrrect attempt at decontaminating the vehicle and causes the owner to become sick. Plan on both paying back the amount you charged along with a major lawsuit settlement brought on by the owner and their insurance company. Is the couple hundred bucks worth exposing yourself to potential liability?
 
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