ESTERO, Fla., — Hurricane Ian ruined hundreds of thousands of vehicles in South Florida this fall. They were found tossed, submerged and drying out on roads, barrier islands, canals, garages and driveways. It was a bonanza for tow truck drivers, who got inundated with work, lifting and moving wrecked and waterlogged vehicles.
In late September, photos of wrecked homes, businesses and boats competed with images of ruined vehicles. Salt water damage will claim car engines, chassis and interiors in the months ahead. For Florida, as well as parts of North Carolina and Virginia, property damage estimates are as high as $70 billion.
