Contaminated Katrina cars being resold

Hurricane Katrina has presented yet another twist to unsuspecting consumers. In the hardest hit sections of New Orleans, cars were sitting in water contaminated with e-coli and fuel for up to four weeks before insurance companies could get in and start pulling these automobiles out. Environment officials have advised that these vehicles can be decontaminated by washing with soap and water or a combination of water and bleach; they then can be resold to the public.

The Progressive Group of Auto Insurance Companies is offering the following tips to help drivers avoid buying a flood-damaged car:

* If the price is too good to be true, it probably is.

* Inspect the automobile thoroughly--are there residue or stain marks from evaporated water? What about mold or a musty odor or grit?

* Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle.

* Use a service that checks the car's history. If you can, find out the exact street address or zip code of the prior owner. If these are within St. Bernard parish or most of Orleans parish, know that the vehicle could have been sitting in contaminated water.

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