HAIL & FLOOD DAMAGE

Kiwis, let’s talk about something that might surprise you when shopping for a car in Australia: the weather.  

Nope, this isn’t about sunscreen or raincoats—it’s about hailstorms and floods. Unlike back home, Australia dishes out weather that can leave a car looking like it lost a boxing match or took a swim in a creek.  

If you’re buying a second- or third-hand car, these weather-related issues can sneak up on you. Let’s break it down so you don’t end up with a dud.   

Hail Damage: More Than Just Dents    

Hailstorms in Australia can be brutal. We’re talking ice chunks the size of cricket balls smashing into cars. Sure, a few dents might look like no big deal, but here’s the reality: 

Structural Integrity: Hail damage can weaken the car’s body, making it less safe in an accident. 

Hidden Issues: Dents can cause rust and leaks, especially if left un-repaired.  

Insurance Nightmares: Some insurers refuse to cover cars with pre-existing hail damage, leaving you vulnerable.  

Flood Damage: A Car’s Worst Enemy    

Then there’s flooding. When a car’s been submerged, the damage goes far beyond soggy carpets. Flood damage can:  

Kill the Electronics: Modern cars rely on computers, and waterlogged systems are expensive (or impossible) to repair.  

Hide in Plain Sight: Sellers might clean the car so it looks spotless, but flood damage can resurface months later in the form of electrical failures and rust.  

Void the Warranty: If the car was written off due to flooding, any warranty might be long gone. 

The Problem for Kiwis  

In New Zealand, we don’t face regular hailstorms or catastrophic flooding, so these risks might not even cross your mind. But in Australia, they’re a reality—and dodgy sellers count on you not knowing the signs.   

How to Avoid Getting Caught Out   

If you’re buying a used car, here’s what you can do to protect yourself:  

Get a PPSR Check: The Personal Property Securities Register can reveal if the car’s been written off due to hail or flood damage.  

Insist on an Inspection: A professional mechanic can spot issues you might miss.  

Ask Questions: Don’t be shy—ask the seller about the car’s history and any insurance claims.  

Use the Kiwi Car Buying Hub from NZRelo & Cricks: It means you have two companies backing you all the way, ensuring you get a vehicle that’s safe and reliable.  

Why NZRelo is the Kiwi-Friendly Solution   

Here’s the good news: you don’t have to navigate these risks alone. At NZRelo, we’ve partnered with Cricks to offer a custom car finance and purchasing hub for Kiwis, ensuring you drive away happy in a car you can trust.  

Here’s what makes Cricks stand out:  

Weather-Proof Cars: Every car in their network is thoroughly inspected to ensure it’s free from hail or flood damage. 

Nationwide Dealerships: Cricks has 28 dealerships across Australia, so wherever you are, they’ve got you covered.  

Finance with Confidence: They only proceed with finance applications after you have received pre-approval, protecting your credit score.  

Tailored Support: You can contact us however suits you best:  

   – Fill out an enquiry form.  

   – Book a video call.  

   – Call our toll-free number from New Zealand.  

   – Or chat with us live online.  

The NZRelo Difference 

At NZRelo, with our partners Cricks Highway, we take the stress out of buying your first car in Australia. No nasty surprises, no dodgy deals—just safe, reliable vehicles from a team that understands your needs.  

Australia’s weather might be unpredictable, but your car-buying experience doesn’t have to be. Let NZRelo & Cricks help you find a vehicle that’s free from hail and flood damage, so you can hit the road with confidence. We’ve got your back, mate.