Forum user describes losing car in flooded DANA garage

The flooded garage and the car that couldn't be saved

A user on an economics forum recounts losing his vehicle in an underground parking lot where water rose in seconds during the DANA (severe storm). He says he hesitated between saving his life or his car, and chose to live. According to his account, this episode reflects an uncomfortable reality: for many workers, a car isn't a luxury; it's the tool they use to earn a living.

The owner's story: "It was that or me, and I chose my life"

The protagonist of this story says he learned about the flood late and poorly. When he arrived at the garage, water was already entering. He hesitated. Within seconds, the flooding covered floor -2. He tried to move the car, but it wouldn't start. "It was that or me, and I chose my life," he summarizes. The vehicle, a Tucson, was only a year and a half old. For him, its sentimental value outweighed its economic value: he describes it as "the project of my life."

The discussion quickly turned to the type of car. One message argues that if it had been a Defender or a Land Cruiser, he would have driven up the ramp even with other cars ahead, and that after getting wet up to the roof, it would have started without problems. Another participant concludes: "it's just a car." Several agree that a flood-damaged vehicle is a source of trouble: the electronics are permanently damaged, although a good detailing can restore the interior.

The car as a work tool, not a whim

Beyond the model, the thread focuses on a fundamental economic issue. "For a worker, it's their damn life, and if you're married, it's your only true asset," writes one participant. Another adds: "if you're a laborer, it's how you get to work. A rich person buys another one, but a poor person can't." Losing a car for someone who depends on it to work isn't an anecdote: it's a direct blow to their ability to generate income.

The debate also reflects the tension between market value and emotional value. The owner insists that none of the junk mentioned in the conversation equals his deceased Tucson economically or sentimentally. And he announces that he will make up for it by buying a Tesla, this time without being impressed by the yardage, as peine when he bought the previous one.

The forum's response: mockery, solidarity, and memes

The community's reaction was mixed. Some responded with mockery: "3/10," "damn troll," "invention of a segarro." Several asked to ignore and report the message for making fun of real dramas. The author's registration date (November 1) fueled suspicions of trolling. One participant joked: "You signed up on November 1, no further questions, Your Honor."

In contrast, others showed empathy. "That moment when you have to weigh your life against your belongings, I wouldn't wish on anyone," wrote one. And a third shared their own experience: "I've lost my car and I don't give a damn; at no point did it occur to me to go down to the garage to save it. Risking my life for a piece of iron isn't worth it to me." The discussion moved toward the role of the Consorcio de Compensación de Seguros (Insurance Compensation Consortium) and the possibility of recovering the vehicle.

The context: a catastrophe with victims

This thread is not an isolated case. In the same forum, other messages recall that "many have died trying to save their cars. Parking lots have become morgues." The DANA left fatalities and missing persons, according to the thread's messages. In this context, the loss of a vehicle, however painful, is dwarfed by the human tragedy.

The discussion also leaves a social perception: while some mock those who cry over a car, others emphasize that for a working family, that car may be the only true asset. The line between drama and anecdote depends on the bank account of the person experiencing it.

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What can be done if the car is flooded?

If water has covered the vehicle, the first recommendation is not to try to start it: water may have entered the engine and caused greater damage. You must notify your insurer and the Consorcio de Compensación de Seguros (Insurance Compensation Consortium), which handles damages from natural disasters. A professional detailer can restore the interior, but the electronics are usually permanently affected. The assessment of the claim will depend on whether it is considered a total loss or viable repair.

Why do some cars start after flooding and others don't?

It depends on whether water entered the engine and the height it reached. Vehicles with complex electronic systems, such as hybrids or modern SUVs, are more likely to suffer irreparable damage. Older off-road vehicles, with less electronics, may fare better. In any case, starting a flooded car without prior inspection is a bad idea: it can multiply the bill.

What coverage does the Insurance Compensation Consortium provide?

The Consortium covers damages caused by natural disasters, such as floods, when the vehicle is insured. It is common for it to activate after events like the DANA. The process requires a claim form and appraisal. The compensation is calculated based on the vehicle's value at the time of the incident, not what it cost new. For many affected people, this represents a significant financial loss.