Used-Car buyers are being advised by the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) to be alert for potentially dangerous vehicles appearing in the used-car market in the shadow of Hurricane Irene.

For shrewd customers, flood-damaged cars can be very enticing due to their extremely low prices; but unbeknownst to potential customers, these cars could also lead to expensive overhauling, and potentially life-threatening accidents.

The non-profit group cautions that most customers do not possess the ability to identify flood vehicles and instead their judgments are blinded by the extra-tempting low price.

According to the group, 11,789 flood vehicle-related claims were processed during last August alone. The number has increased significantly from the 994 processes in August the year before. New Jersey ranks first in the number of processes, 4,121; succeeded by New York, 2,809; and closely followed by North Carolina, 2585.

Provided that a seller reveals that a vehicle is a flood vehicle, there is no fraud. As a matter of fact, many people buy these low-price, 'slightly-damaged' cars, knowing that they'll need to replace some parts that are affected.

There are instances however when the dealer does not disclose to buyers that the vehicle is a flood vehicle--and this is where things go morbid.

NICB warns buyers that people who fraudulently place flood vehicles on the market have amazing skills in polishing up these flood cars to entice buyers. Additionally, they use the lowered prices to disguise the fatal parts.

The group offers a free consumer protection service to aid used-car buyers identify if the vehicle is a victim of the flood. This service is called VINCheck. This service lets consumers check if the Vehicle Identification Number has been used in one of the millions of claim records processed by NICB member insurance companies.

Consumers are also advised to use additional sources of vehicle history information, including the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System.

The National Insurance Crime Bureau is a non-profit organization that focuses on the prevention, detection and castigation of insurance fraud and theft by means of data analysis, investigations, training, legislative advocacy and public awareness. It is supported by over 1,100 property and casualty insurers and self-insured organizations.

Moreover, The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) has been promoted by many insurers because of their credibility in battling insurance fraud and theft in the 50 states of the Unite States (US). Their legislative advocacy also helped many drivers as well as insurers to meet in between at times of dispute on insurance claims.