Claims News Service, Feb. 29, 4:05 p.m. EST — Leading auto information provider Carfax reports that salvaged vehicles are making their way into driveways at an increased rate.

Carfax says that while the problem was exacerbated by the flooding that occurred post-Hurricane Katrina, in which hundreds of thousands of automobiles were totaled by insurers, the problem has expanded to include a much-wider proportion of vehicles. In its most recent report, the company said that there has been a 50-percent uptick in the number of salvaged vehicles exposed by the vehicle history reports.

“This problem is more widespread than we previously thought,” said Larry Gamache, communications director at Carfax, in a release. “Based on our data, the number one concern consumers should have right now, even above flood damage, is unknowingly buying a used car that was badly damaged in an accident. Buying a salvaged car may not be a bad investment, but you must make sure you're aware of any prior damage and, more importantly, see that the proper repairs were made.”