Looking at maybe buying a car with a "branded title" according to the current owner. Apparently, the car was a total loss and was written as "flood damage". But, as the post title said, does flood damage always mean flood damage, or could it just be a classification put for any liquid damage?

I ask because, according to the current owner, the previous owner spilled some chemicals on/in the rear seats and it completely ruined them. The current owner bought the car and replaced the entire rear seat, frame and everything.

Also, according to the current owner, the title in hand is "clean", not marked as salvage, rebuilt, flood, anything. He was just up front about knowing it had an issue in the past.

First time even taking more than a passing glance at a car with something other than a clean title, so I'm really unsure.