K Car, South Korea's largest directly operated used-car platform, announced Monday it will run its "2026 K Car Flood Vehicle Peace-of-Mind Compensation Program" through Sept. 30 to ease consumer concerns during the peak monsoon season.
Under the program, customers who purchase a vehicle and have it confirmed as flood-damaged through K Car's diagnostic inspection within 90 days of purchase will receive a full refund of the vehicle purchase and transfer costs. K Car will also pay an additional 10 million won ($6,650) — the highest compensation in the industry. The program applies to all customers who buy a vehicle through K Car's "Buy My Car" home-delivery service or at any of its nationwide directly operated stores between July 10 and Sept. 30.
The flood-vehicle compensation initiative first launched in 2011 as the industry's first such program and has been running for 16 consecutive years as part of K Car's customer trust efforts.
K Car also shared tips for used-car buyers to check for flood damage on their own. One method is to compare the manufacturing date printed on electrical components under the vehicle with the car's own production date to determine whether parts have been replaced.
Other signs to look for include mud or dirt stains when the seatbelt is fully extended, soil or debris lodged in the rubber molding around door gaps and the trunk, and moisture or odors in the interior floor. Water stains or mold between window panes can also indicate flood damage.
"K Car has prepared the industry's highest level of flood-vehicle compensation so that customers can buy used cars without worrying about flood damage even during the rainy season," said Jung In-kook, president of K Car. "We will continue building a trustworthy used-car trading environment for consumers through a wide range of services."
Meanwhile, K Car launched a consumer-to-consumer used-car direct trading service called "Anshim Jikgeorrae" in May. The service draws on the vehicle inspection and transaction support capabilities built through its directly operated used-car business to preserve the price advantages of private deals while reducing transaction anxiety.
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