By Illinois Radio Network/Cole Lauterbach

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White is warning consumers to use caution when buying a used vehicle after recent hurricanes.

The state is monitoring vehicles sold from counties flooded by hurricanes Florence and Michael.

“This is a proactive effort on our part to reach out and do our best to protect consumers to help them when they make a major purchase such as a used automobile,” said Henry Haupt, deputy press secretary for the Illinois Secretary of State.

According to Haupt, vehicles sold from a flood county will be identified by the state and require a Hurricane Disclosure Statement. This statement will require the signature of the registered vehicle owner and verification from an insurance agent that no flood claim had been placed against it to receive a clean vehicle title by the state.

Flood-damaged vehicles become a concern across the country after hurricanes. Vehicles damaged by flooding can cause major headaches for consumers.

“Nationally it is a concern,” said Haupt. “In Illinois, it is a concern and that’s why we’ve launched this effort to protect consumers, and we also encourage consumers that if they are in the market to buy a used car that it’s also not a bad idea to have it inspected by a mechanic before they make such a major purchase.”

The announcement from White is an effort by the Secretary of State’s Office to protect consumers and prevent them from making a purchase that they will regret.

“Anyone that’s in the market to buy a used car will want to make sure they are protected, and they’re not purchasing a car that has been damaged by floods in the past,” said Haupt.