Identifying Car Accidents: How to Detect Collision Damage and Salvage Titles

When purchasing a used car, one of the most critical things to consider is whether the vehicle has been involved in an accident. This can significantly affect the safety and value of the car. In this article, we will explore the key signs of collision damage, how to spot them, and how to check if a car has a salvage title.

Common Signs of a Car Being in a Collision

Here are some of the most common signs that a car has been in an accident:

Front End: Light and Bumper Cover
Inspect the lights and bumper cover for any signs of repair or replacement. Slam panel ripples or dents can also indicate past damage. Ripples on the front fenders or underbody members may suggest substantial impact damage. Rear End: New Lights and Bumper Cover
Check the rear lights and bumper cover for new parts, which often indicate repair. These areas are also prone to damage in rear-end collisions. Trunk/Boot: Floor Damage
The floor of the trunk or boot can often reveal signs of collision damage, especially if there are ripples or repairs. Interior Panel/Door Gaps
Uneven gaps between panels and doors can indicate frame or body damage. Appearance of ripples or dents can also be a significant indicator. Seats, Trim, and Dashboard
Inspect the seats, trim, and dashboard, especially near where the airbags have deployed. New or missing seat belt components, particularly the stalks where pre-tensioners may have activated, are additional red flags. Mismatched Paint Colors
Metallic paint color mismatches or overspray on window and door rubbers can signal that the car was repainted as part of a repair. Uneven Tyre Wear
Uneven tyre wear can be a sign of chassis alignment issues caused by a collision. Substantially Lower Price
A car priced significantly lower than its market value may have a salvage title or unseen accidents that affect its long-term reliability and performance.

Buying Salvage Cars: A Personal Experience

For those who wish to purchase totaled or severely damaged cars, there are experienced individuals who can turn these vehicles into valuable assets. Here's a personal account of one such journey:

10 Years of Experience Buying Salvaged Cars
For over a decade, I made a good living buying ‘so-called’ totaled cars from Copart Auto Auction. These were cars that had been declared a total loss by insurance companies but sold at significant discounts. By repairing and reselling these cars, I could make a profit without the original owner's hidden issues.

I normally invested around 50% of the Bluebook value in these cars and then offered a 25% price discount to the buyer, saving them 25% and making a 25% profit for myself. My main focus was on Corvettes and Mercedes models.

One notable exception was a 1999 Corvette FRC fixed-roof coupe with only 40,000 miles. At the time, it was so wrecked that I had to replace every body part except the roof and doors. I had to cut off the frame at the firewall and weld a new one in. After this extensive restoration, there was no way anyone would suspect it had been in an accident except for the salvage title. This particular car has served me well for the last 12 years and remains one of my prized possessions.

Free CarCrash Reports and Other Resources

While investigating cars with potential accident histories, there are a few ways to get a free Carfax report or other similar reports. Here are some tips:

Please Note: CARFAX Sells Cars With Free Carfax Reports Carfax’s website offers free reports that can be invaluable in assessing a car's history. Request a Carfax Report
IfExists in the U.S., Canada, and the EU, a Carfax report can provide detailed information about a car's history, including accidents and previous owners. Check for Damage After Purchase
Once you have purchased a car, it’s wise to have it inspected by a reliable mechanic to uncover any hidden issues. Ask About the Title
Always ask the seller if the car has a clean/clear title. A salvage or flood title might indicate significant damage that isn't evident to the casual observer.

Conclusion

When buying a used car, it is essential to be aware of the potential for hidden damage from past accidents. By carefully inspecting the car and using resources like Carfax reports, you can make an educated decision and avoid costly surprises down the road.