How do you value a car with body damage?
Asked by: Donald Reynolds | Last update: May 22, 2025Score: 4.2/5 (30 votes)
How to determine the value of a damaged car?
To get an idea of what your totaled car is worth, find the Kelley Blue Book value for it in fair condition. Figure out what the 20 to 40 percent fair condition value is. Depending on the amount of damage done to your vehicle, it's likely going to be closer to the 20 percent range, according to CarBrain.
How to get an estimate on a damaged car?
Def go to 2 or 3 shops for an estimate. The shops give you the estimate directly and you provide them to the insurance company. Insurance company sends you a check.
Can you sell a car with body damage?
Yes, you can sell a car with structural damage, but there are important considerations to keep in mind: Disclosure: Legally, you may be required to disclose any structural damage when selling the vehicle, especially if the damage affects safety or the car's value.
Do dealerships buy cars with body damage?
In short, yes, you can trade in a car with body damage. However, whether it's the most beneficial move for you financially depends on several factors, including the extent of the damage, your car's overall condition, and the trade-in offer from the dealership. Always do your homework before you make this decision.
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Is it worth buying a car with body damage?
Is it worth buying a car with body damange? It depends. If the body damage is minor, the vehicle history report explains the type of accident, and everything else checks out; there should likely be no issue buying a car.
How long does it take a body shop to give an estimate?
If your vehicle has incurred significant mechanical and exterior damage, an estimate could be anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes, or longer. When the damage is minimal and mechanical issues don't exist, an estimate usually takes 15-20 minutes.
How much should I sell my damaged car for?
Current junk car prices in 2025 range from $50 and $3,000, but heavily depend on multiple factors. Newer vehicles can go for much more than $3,000. In most cases, the average price for junk vehicles falls within the $100 – $500 range.
How do insurance companies estimate car damage?
The adjuster will determine the total value of your car before the collision. The value before the accident is important if your vehicle needs to be repaired or if it's declared a total loss. The insurance adjuster will estimate the value of your vehicle based on the total value of other similar vehicles in your area.
How much does a car depreciate after a Fender bender?
A car can lose 10% to 30% of its value after an accident, with potential losses as high as 50%.
What is considered major damage to a car?
Severe damage usually means that key components of the car, such as the engine, transmission, or suspension, have been affected. These types of damages often render the vehicle unsafe or unable to be driven until the necessary repairs are made.
How do insurance adjusters estimate damage?
The adjuster's assessment is vital in determining the claim's value. They inspect the car, interviewing involved parties, and scrutinizing accident reports. Adjusters may employ specific software to estimate repair costs, taking the vehicle's age, mileage, and pre-accident condition into account.
How much is my damaged car worth?
Find what percent of market value your insurance company uses to determine salvage value. The percentage can vary, but it's usually around 75% of market value. Subtract that percentage as a decimal from 1.0.
Do dealerships fix body damage?
There are some repair shops that only do collision repair and auto refinishing. There are some dealerships that have their own collision repair facilities. The quality of the repairs can vary from one facility to the next. Where I live here in California, the Honda dealer is the largest dealership in the county.
Should you sell a car after an accident?
And even if it has been repaired, a past accident may still diminish your car's value. But if you sell your car after you file a claim, it will likely sell for more than what it would have if it wasn't repaired first.
How much does body damage affect car value?
But the extent to which your car's value decreases will depend on a variety of factors, including the severity of the damage, the type of repair that's needed, and even the age and make of your vehicle. That being said, most collision repairs won't cause your car to lose more than 50% of its pre-collision value.
Should I repair body damage before selling car?
Whether you are trading in a car that is in good shape or trading in a car with body damage, you should fix minor things to make your car as presentable as possible. This can maintain or increase the trade-in value.
Will a dealership buy a car with damage?
If your vehicle is in rough shape, dealers could still take it on a trade-in. They may not keep it on their lots to sell themselves, but trading your older automobile for a newer one in better condition may be a more viable option than you think.
How do I get an estimate on my car damage?
The Estimate Process
You'll make an appointment at an auto repair shop, where they'll inspect the car thoroughly. Depending on the extent of the car's damage, the estimated process can take 15 to 30 minutes. A technician will inspect your car and note obvious damage, such as dents and broken windows.
Will a body shop fix a totaled car?
Yes, a body shop can repair a totaled vehicle if the insurance company deems the repair cost less than the car's value before the accident. The shop will assess the damage and provide an estimate to the insurance provider.
Can a body shop charge more than the estimate?
An auto body shop can charge more than the estimate, but exceptions do exist. All auto body work cannot start without giving the customer a written estimate. This estimate must include the exact dollar amount of the labor and parts. You might even see “price not to exceed” on the paperwork.
Will my car pass inspection with body damage?
Body damage
Minor dings and dents aren't typically counted against you in a vehicle inspection. If the damage is extensive enough, however, it may become a potential obstacle to passing.
Will insurance cover car body damage?
The insurance company will pay for your auto body repairs if it's your fault and you have comprehensive and/or collision coverage.
What is moderate damage to a car?
External vehicle damage in moderate car accidents can be quite visible. This includes dents, scratches, broken lights, and damaged bumpers. Such damage is often noticeable immediately after the accident. The extent of external damage can provide initial clues about the severity of the accident.