Four months after superstorm Sandy blew through the East Coast wreaking havoc in its path, the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) has announced its revised estimates for the number of vehicles damaged in the storm’s wake. The new total now stands at a staggering 250,500 vehicles.

Even though New York (150,000 vehicles damaged) and New Jersey (60,000) account for the bulk of the losses, the storms fury reached as far as West Virginia (1,000), Maine (500) and Vermont (500). The NICB is also quick to point out that its figures only represent insured losses – countless other uninsured vehicles were unquestionably damaged or destroyed during the storm.

A warning has also been issued by the NICB, as many Sandy damaged vehicles may have been reconditioned and placed on the market by now – and not just on the East Coast. While it is not illegal to sell flood-damaged or salvaged vehicles, sellers must disclose the information to buyers. Stopping short of suggesting that there are deceitful parties peddling less-than-perfect vehicles, the NICB offers a free VINCheck to help research if a vehicle has been reported stolen or salvage. As they say, buyer beware and do your homework before purchasing any used vehicle.