Road accident experts say flood-damaged cars can be dangerous, but motor insurers say they will cover flood-affected vehicles if they have passed the roadworthy assessment process.

Monash University Accident Research Centre Senior Research Fellow Stuart Newstead told insuranceNEWS.com.au that although there is no data available, there are a number of safety concerns involved in putting flood-damaged cars back on the road.

He says such vehicles needed to be thoroughly checked, but even then newer models could have serious safety problems in their extensive electronic systems.

The electronics on most cars also control the airbags and other safety features.

Insurers contacted by insuranceNEWS.com.au say cover would be available for flood-damaged vehicles as long as they pass the standard roadworthiness tests.

“We do not ask specific questions about flood damage,” an NRMA Insurance spokesman said.