Is it worth fixing a car with frame damage?
Asked by: Elissa Rutherford | Last update: June 17, 2025Score: 4.3/5 (41 votes)
Is it worth buying a car with frame damage?
However, it's neither safe for you nor good for the car. Frame damage in most modern vehicles can lead to additional problems that may not be immediately apparent but potentially dangerous. It could lead to even more expensive fixes later.
Can a damaged car frame be repaired?
Yes it can be repaired, but it will change the geometry of the car, so if you do get into an accident it may cause more damage to the passengers of the vehicle. Now that being said depending on the car some aftermarket companies will sell frame rails and other frame pieces that can be welded on.
How much does it cost to fix frame damage on a car?
Although car frame straightening costs range widely from $600 to $10,000, several factors influence the actual price. The biggest of these is the extent of the damage since more severely damaged frames require more work on behalf of the collision pro.
Is a car totaled if the frame is damaged?
While no specific type of damage automatically ensures a car is totaled, frame damage makes a total loss much more likely. That's because frames can be very expensive to replace or repair — the average range is $600 to $10,000. If there is extensive damage to the frame, it's often not worth fixing.
✅Frame Repair in the Driveway with Great Results? Let's find out !!
Is it illegal to sell a car with frame damage?
Undisclosed Frame Damage Could Be Grounds for a Fraud Charge
So always ask about any prior accidents or mechanical problems, and always have a witness with you. If you purchase a used car and later discover that it has frame damage that you were not told about, you may have a case against the dealer for fraud.
Can you still drive a car with frame damage?
The short answer is yes; however, it'll depend on the kind of damage the frame has sustained. If all the wheels are properly aligned and your car has only sustained some denting, it is most likely safe to drive. If you notice, however, that your car continually favors one side, we wouldn't recommend driving it.
Is it worth repairing a rusted car frame?
Not only does frame repair reduce the cost and complexity of restoring your truck by an order of magnitude, tackling localized rust issues means preserving the overall originality of your vehicle by leaving the remainder of your frame intact.
Can you tell if a car has frame damage?
Abnormal noises—creaking, rattling, squeaking—may stem from frame-related part rubbing. Altered handling, instability, or poor ride quality point to suspension problems from a defective frame. Excessive or uneven tire wear, like bald spots or cupping, shows possible wheel misalignment from frame damage.
How long does it take to fix the frame of a car?
On average, fixing a bent frame can take anywhere from a few hours to several days. If the damage is minor, the repair might be completed in about 4-6 hours. However, for more severe damage, it could take 2-3 days or even longer.
Is frame damage reported bad?
Frame damage isn't necessarily a dealbreaker, but knowing how much frame damage there was is useful. A small amount will likely have no lasting impact on the safety and drivability of the vehicle. Still, if the vehicle suffered significant frame damage, it may not be safe or reliable enough to take home.
How much does it cost to fix a dent in a car frame?
The dent repair cost may range from $50 to $2,500. Although that's a broad range, most small dents that are roughly an inch in size may cost around $50 to $125. Small indentations may come from a flying rock or piece of hail. Dents stemming from a collision are typically larger and cost $150 or more.
What does a damaged car frame look like?
Uneven tire wear, which can be a sign of misaligned suspension due to frame damage. Visible signs of damage, such as dents, cracks, or creases in the frame. A professional auto body shop can diagnose your vehicle for you if you're unsure.
Can a dealership sell a car with a bad frame?
Can Car Dealerships Sell A Frame Damaged Vehicle? There is one condition that a car dealership must comply with before selling a frame damaged vehicle to a consumer. The frame damage must be disclosed, in writing, and when it is not, the failure to disclose car frame damage turns into auto fraud.
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.
What is major structural damage to a car?
Signs of structural damage include uneven gaps between panels, misaligned doors or windows, a visibly bent or twisted frame, or issues with vehicle alignment. A professional inspection is recommended for a thorough assessment.
How much does frame damage cost to repair?
Frame Repair Costs
For light damage, on average, framework repair without painting will run between $500 and $1,000. More extensive damage, which could also include radiator support, frame rail and apron damages, will cost more. (On average, this type of repair can cost up to $10,000!)
Should I avoid a car with frame damage?
If the frame is damaged, it can make the car less safe to drive, harder to handle, and cause potential legal or insurance issues.
How likely is a car totaled if the frame is bent?
How likely is a car to be totaled if the frame is bent? Damage to a vehicle's frame is very serious. Repairs to a frame can quickly run into the five-figure range, depending on the age and condition of your vehicle. This can easily qualify as totaling damage.
Is it illegal to sell a car with a rusted frame?
In any case, if you wish to sell your frame damaged car to someone, you are obligated to disclose all of the damage the vehicle has and if anything goes unknown you may be held liable even after you sell the vehicle.
Will insurance cover rusted frame?
No, car insurance doesn't typically cover frame damage that's caused by rust. That's because rust occurs slowly over time due to wear and tear — not from a sudden, unexpected event.
Does frame damage affect car value?
Negotiating Price
Frame damage can significantly affect the vehicle's value. Use this information to negotiate a lower price, reflecting the potential repair costs and diminished resale value.
Can hitting a pothole cause frame damage?
Potholes and road debris can also cause frame damage, especially when driving at high speeds. Hitting a pothole or debris can bend or crack frame components, leading to costly repairs. To prevent damage from potholes and road debris, drive cautiously and avoid swerving to miss obstacles.
Is it okay to buy a car with structural damage?
When structural damage occurs, the vehicle is typically considered no longer safe to drive and should be avoided during the purchasing process. Structural damage can also lead to significant repair and replacement needs in the future, which means any savings from purchasing a damaged vehicle will be short-lived.
Can you align a car with frame damage?
Ray: If the frame is bent, the four wheels cannot be aligned. So my advice is, take the car somewhere of your choosing for a four-wheel alignment before agreeing to accept it back from the insurance company as “repaired.”