[John85]

My Smart Car got flooded because of Sandy. It is full of mud and Leaves and floated 10 blocks away from my house. Can someone please help me. I need to put my car in neutral so I can move it or DSNY said they will takeit away with the rest of the garbage pile. Is there any way I can put the car in Neutral ? It will not start it was under water for 2 days.

 

[jwight]

First guess is that without electrical power and a waterlogged SAM there's no way the car will recognize the key; without that I think you're stuck in Park. What does your smart center have to offer? If nothing else, have it flatbedded someplace while you get this sorted out - they can skid the tires onto the trailer.

 

[WhiteNBlack08]

Try this: http://www.smartcarofamerica.com/fo...k-park-heres-get-me-home-fix-5578/index7.html

 

[Huronlad]

Try this: http://www.smartcarofamerica.com/fo...k-park-heres-get-me-home-fix-5578/index7.html

If the car has no working electrical system this will not help put the transmission in neutral.

 

[wrumbarger]

Call AAA and flatbed it.

 

[RVGRINGO]

Alternatively, have a tow truck tow it with the rear elevated and the steering wheel immobilized; front wheels straight, of course.
Similarly, you could put backward it on a dolly, but would have to use a light bar to be legal.
Depending upon the quality of your insurance, it might be wise to allow it to 'go to garbage', as it may never be the same. Many flooded cars look OK but are 'totaled'.

 

[a2jack]

Come you guys, The OP out on Staten Isl. I'm sure AAA is not running out there.

Pull that shifter cover and give it a shot there may be just enough juice to trip it. I can't remember if that lever was mechanical, It may be. A2Jack

 

[jwight]

Doesn't have to be AAA. My guess is the insurance will total the car; be on the lookout for flood damaged cars from this storm.

 

[SmartDigger]

Iwill say drag it. it is most likely totaled anyway.

 

[JPaul]

'John85', I feel for you.
Did you try to contact your insurance yet? They may have their say, you're definitely not their only customer going through something similar...

 

[BB Benz]

By all means, call the insurance company. That is what they take your money for, to cover you for losses.
Best Wishes, sorry for the death of your car baby. It still has salvage value for some things. I hope that is the worst of your worries.
Rich

 

[SkippyThorson]

I need to put my car in neutral so I can move it or DSNY said they will takeit away with the rest of the garbage pile.

That really grinds my gears. I'd bet if it were a utility van, volunteer rescue truck, or large business vehicle they wouldn't have said that. Just because it's a tiny little Smart that doesn't run, it has become one with the pile of waste?

Please. If they throw your $12,000+ car away with the garbage, no matter what state it is in, I'm almost positive they can get in big trouble.

If I can offer any sort of assistance, I don't believe the vehicle assistance companies are up and running yet. At least that's the latest I've heard. I would get in touch with my insurance company, tell them about your flood-damaged car, where it wound up, and what this cleanup crew is threatening to do. Your insurance provider will most certainly have some answers for you.

 

[MB DNA]

Sorry to hear of your smart being damaged by the storm. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and all of our brothers and sisters in the areas impacted by Sandy.

With such devastation to the infrastructure the tow services no doubt have their own problems and certainly can't meet the damand for service. By all means, take pictures that will document both the location AND condition of your smart well in advance of the city doing what they have to do to recover.

God speed . . .

 

[John85]

I just got off the phone with Geico. They said it will be totaled , but I didnt have flood insurance on the car. So I will get nothing. They told me to call FEMA. FEMA Sid they might cover it. But they will need to inspect it. I will have to get it towed to my driveway. Thanks everyone

 

[wrumbarger]

Don't forget that you qualify for the "Loyalty Bonus" ($1000 from smartUSA and dealer might match that?) if you get a new smart.

Just keep a copy of your current registration.

 

[MB DNA]

They said it will be totaled , but I didnt have flood insurance on the car. So I will get nothing.

If you only had liability, things will be ugly. If you had comprehensive coverage - you should be covered?

Good luck . . .

 

[Stretchmobile]

Flooded Car? Your Auto Insurance May Cover More Than You Think - BBB News Center

 

[chieftmc]

Don't forget that you qualify for the "Loyalty Bonus" ($1000 from smartUSA and dealer might match that?) if you get a new smart.

Just keep a copy of your current registration.

And make sure you do it here: http://www.smartcarofamerica.com/forums/f78/november-scoa-member-special-47046/#post541722

 

[wrumbarger]

Just curious, do you have pics?
And how did mud and leaves get inside, was a window broken?

 

[rijowysock]

you would think a quick and easy "for those in low elevation areas, please mind your elevation and park in a nearby garage..."

im sorry but when buying a home, i am well aware of my homes elevation and the flood plains around my home... if i were in a low area i would surely park my cars in a local parking garage during such a storm..

it's not like it was a sudden tornado, it was a hurricane that everyone had ample time to prepare for..

hard to feel sorry for the 100+ taxi's under water as well, why put all your taxi's in a low elevation parking facility?

this being said i have been thru 14 hurricanes in NC, and 4 in florida.. a few of them category 5's so please dont tell me i am insincere.




im sorry you did not have full insurance on the vehicle, but luckily these are cheap cars... and not a 100k sports car/etc.



the car is so light, some wooden dollies from home depot can be put under rear tires and push the car home... or drag it... the car is totalled... flat spots wont hurt it, just drag it with a rope and another car.