BARRE, Vt. (WCAX) – In communities across Vermont, the floods ripped through homes, and in some cases, Vermonters cars.
In Barre, which was once again in the crosshairs of the remnants of Hurricane Beryl, many residents heeded warnings and moved their cars to higher ground.
The city of Barre says about 15 cars were affected this time around, with many owners still waiting on insurance companies to make a decision.
The damage on some cars was devastating, leaving some looking like a crumpled like a tin can. Others were covered by flood water and silt, which if the damage is extensive enough, can total the engine.
But in a rural state where Vermonters rely on wheels to get to and from work, going without can be devastating. So this week, state officials announced that they are expanding a state program giving people who lost their cars in the flood an incentive for a new one.
Officials are expanding eligibility for the Replace Your Ride program, giving people up to $5,000 in rebates on a new electric vehicle, and the Mileage Smart Program, providing up to 25% of a vehicle’s price, will now be available for flood victims. You can also bundle these programs for up to $11,000 off your next ride.
“The intention is to provide financial support for Vermonters who were affected by the flooding,” said Vermont Transportation Secretary Joe Flynn.
If you’re buying a replacement or are in the market for new wheels, regardless of the floods, officials remind people to be on the lookout for cars that may have been in the floods this year or last, as they can have long-term mechanical issues.
“You should try to get your hands on the car fax report, and you should have a mechanic you trust look over the car for you and make sure there are no red flags when they do that review,” said Vermont Attorney General Charity Clark.
Flooded cars can have damp carpets and upholstery, moisture in the headlights, or silt in uncommon places.