The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) has raised itsestimate for insured vehicles damaged during Superstorm Sandy bymore than 20,000, with New York state accounting for the bulk ofthe increase.

The NICB's current estimate now stands at 250,500, up from itsNovember estimate of 230,000. New York saw its numbers risemost significantly, from 130,000 to 150,000. Ranking right behindNew York in damaged autos is New Jersey, with its total unchangedat 60,000. Those two states account for the lion's share ofSandy-affected vehicles, with 14 other states accounting for thebalance.

Connecticut ranks third on the list, with 8,000 vehicles, whileMaryland is fourth with 5,500. Rounding out the top five isVirginia, with 4,500.

The NICB cautioned that the figures remain preliminary and canstill change with the addition of more claims. What's more, thenumbers only cover insured losses and do not reflect the many moreuninsured vehicles damaged by the superstorm. The loss reports donot necessarily mean a vehicle was flood-damaged, the NICB notes,and minor losses are also included.

Consumers should be aware that just because a car was flooded,that does not prevent it from being reconditioned and resold. It isnot illegal to buy and sell flooded vehicles, so long as theparties are aware of the condition. The NICB offers a checklist to consumers to help them avoid becomingvictims to a flood-and-salvage vehicle scam.

Insured loss estimates for Sandy run as high as $25 billion,making it the second most expensive natural catastrophe in history.According to the Insurance Information Institute, HurricaneKatrina, in 2005, remains number one at more than $46 billion in2011 dollars.