Manitoba Public Insurance is advising Manitobans to be sure they know where their vehicle comes from before crossing it over the border into Canada.

Spokesperson Brian smiley says following the hurricanes that ravished through Texas and Florida, about a million vehicles were damaged by water. He notes many of these vehicles are brand new off of car lots and somehow find their way back into the market. Smiley cautions people that although these vehicles may seem appealing, they can be very problematic.

"Water can enter the electronic components of the vehicle causing corrosion and malfunction of very important safety features mainly airbags and other features. There are also some health concerns that come into play like mold and other toxins so these vehicles are no longer allowed to come into the Canadian market again as per the registrar of imported vehicles."

Smiley says some people purchase vehicles from the U.S. on a regular basis and he explains why these vehicles would seem appealing to consumers. 

"Very namely probably a very good price. Some of these vehicles are brand new coming off car dealer lots, so they’re going to look brand new, the price could be very appealing. These vehicles will find their way into very large vehicle auctions in the US, we know that there are purchasers in Canada, also in Manitoba, that will go to these auctions and purchase vehicles and bring them up. We want to raise awareness among consumers, particularly Canadians consumers, that flood-damaged vehicles will not be allowed to cross the border."

Smiley notes if anyone would try bringing one of these vehicles across the border, Canadian border agents would run the vehicle identification number and quickly realize that it is a flood-damaged vehicle. He advises Manitobans to do their research on a vehicle before buying it and bringing it up to Canada from the U.S.