West Palm Beach recorded 7.39 inches of rain on November 2, 2026, breaking the previous record for that date, which had stood since 1925. The city reported 11.67 inches over November 1–2 and widespread flooding. If you came back to a car that had been sitting in water, the first step is simple: leave it off and call your insurer. City of West Palm Beach storm report
What should you do if floodwater reached your car?
- Leave the vehicle off. Don’t start it, jump-start it, or try to drive it away. Water can damage wiring, electronics and mechanical components even when the cabin looks dry. If a hybrid or electric vehicle was submerged, don’t plug it in. Tell your insurer and tow operator that it has a high-voltage battery.
- Document what you can safely see. Once the area is safe, take photos of the waterline and any visible damage. Note where the car was parked and when you found it. Keep towing or storage receipts.
- Call your insurer before arranging repairs. Ask whether your policy covers flood damage, where to have the vehicle towed, and what the adjuster needs. Comprehensive coverage typically covers flooding, depending on the policy and deductible.
NHTSA’s flooded-vehicle guidance · Florida’s auto claim guide
When is a flooded car a total loss?
The insurer makes that decision after evaluating the damage and the economics of repairing the vehicle. Water can reach components under the carpet and inside electrical connectors. Corrosion and intermittent problems can show up later, so drying the interior alone doesn’t tell you whether the car is safe to drive.
If the insurer declares a total loss, ask for the written valuation and how the deductible affects the settlement. If you finance or lease the car, confirm what’s still owed and whether you have GAP coverage. If you shop for a used replacement, check the title and vehicle history for flood damage and consider an independent inspection. Florida’s auto claim guide · NHTSA’s used-car flood guidance
Where does Subaru ground clearance make a difference?
The 2026 Outback Wilderness has 9.5 inches of ground clearance. The 2026 Forester Wilderness and Crosstrek Wilderness each have 9.3 inches. That gives you extra room between the underbody and the ground on dry, uneven roads, over ruts, or on an unpaved trail. If you’re comparing the three, start with the Crosstrek for a smaller footprint, the Forester for an upright cabin, or the Outback if you often carry longer gear. Subaru Outback Wilderness specifications · Subaru Forester specifications · Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness specifications
Ground clearance measures space under the vehicle. It does not tell you how deep the water can be. If water covers the road, turn around and use another route, even in an all-wheel-drive SUV. Floodwater can hide a washout or debris, and moving water can carry an SUV away. National Weather Service flood safety guidance
Where can West Palm Beach drivers get help?
If you need help with next steps after flood damage, use Schumacher Flood Assistance and select Schumacher Subaru. If your insurer has declared a total loss and you’re ready to compare replacements, browse new Subaru inventory or Subaru Certified Pre-Owned inventory in West Palm Beach.
$500 Flood Recovery Discount
Through December 15, 2026, get $500 off select in-stock new Subaru and Subaru Certified Pre-Owned vehicles at Schumacher Subaru in West Palm Beach and Schumacher Subaru of Delray Beach. The offer is available to customers with a documented flood-related total loss. Contact your store to confirm which vehicles qualify and what documentation to bring.
Categories:
News
