Have you ever come across a vehicle that seems like a great deal but has some subtle signs of past damage? You’re not alone. It’s essential to know the type of accident a car was in because it can make or break your decision. A minor accident history might offer a fantastic bargain, but a severe accident history could hide hidden damage and make the purchase a regrettable choice. So let’s delve into practical methods for finding out any accident details of a used car.

The type of accident a car was in: why is it so important?

Did you know that millions of car accidents occur each year? In some cases, the damage can be exceptionally extensive, leading to the assignment of a branded title such as “salvage,” “rebuilt,” or “junk”. For used car buyers, checking a car’s accident history, particularly the type of accident it was involved in, is crucial for several reasons:

Identifying Hidden Damage:
Accident history can reveal hidden damage that may not be apparent during a visual inspection. 

Assessing Repair Costs:
Knowing the type of accident can help you estimate potential repair costs. For instance, a rear-end collision might involve minor bumper damage, while a rollover accident could cause more extensive structural damage.

Evaluating Safety Concerns:
The type of accident can provide insights into the car’s overall safety. For example, a car involved in multiple accidents or a severe collision may raise concerns about its ability to protect occupants in future incidents.

Negotiating a Fair Price:
Accident history can be a valuable bargaining tool when negotiating the car’s price. A car with a history of accidents may be worth less than a similar car without such a history.

4 Ways to find out what type of accident a car was in

1. Get a detailed vehicle history report from BeenVerified

A detailed history report goes beyond mere vehicle specifications, providing vital information about accidents and salvage history. That includes type of accident, damage severity, impact area and more. Additionally, these reports offer valuable insights such as recall information, theft records, and an estimated market value for the vehicle. To get a detailed history report, you can try BeenVerified, a well-known and trusted vehicle report provider. Here’s how to use it：

1. Go to BeenVerified vehicle research page. Enter the VIN number and click SEARCH. If you have a license plate number, you can try that too.
   
2. Wait a few seconds for BeenVerified to search its records. The resulting report will contain all available data about past accidents, including type of accident, damage severity, impact area and more.
   

2. Get a Carfax accident report

Founded in 1984, Carfax is the most well-known name in the vehicle history report industry. However, it’s also the most expensive: a single Carfax report will cost you $44.99. Fortunately, this hefty cost is is backed by the promise of delivering an abundance of details, especially when it comes to accident records.

To run a Carfax report, simply visit their official website, enter the VIN number or license plate number:

However, it’s important to recognize that having a Carfax report doesn’t automatically ensure a comprehensive account of an accident, including its type. In fact, the level of information available frequently hinges on factors like the accident’s timing and location. Varying states provide differing amount of information post-accident, and older incidents often yield less comprehensive data.

It’s worth noting that Carfax categorizes accidents into three distinct severity levels:

1. Minor: Minor accidents typically involve cosmetic damage, such as dents or scratches. These issues often require reconditioning but do not generally pose a significant threat to the vehicle’s operation or safety.
2. Moderate: Moderate accidents extend beyond cosmetic concerns, affecting multiple components of the vehicle. This level of damage can potentially impair the vehicle’s operation and/or safety.
3. Severe: Severe accidents result in substantial damage to multiple vehicle components, and is likely to compromise the vehicle’s operation and/or safety.

3. Ask previous owners

Contacting the previous owners, if possible, can provide valuable insights into the car’s accident history. They may remember details or have documentation that the current seller is unaware of, which can help you make a more informed decision. Additionally, they might offer information about how the car has performed after any repairs, giving you a better sense of its long-term condition.

4. Inspection by a professional mechanic

If you’re serious about buying a used car, especially if you suspect that a car has been in an accident but the information isn’t available in a report, it’s a good idea to have a trusted mechanic inspect the vehicle for any signs of damage, repairs, or irregularities. They may be able to identify past accident-related repairs or issues.

How do accidents affect the value of a car?

Accidents can have a significant impact on the value of a car. The severity of the impact depends on factors such as the extent of the damage, whether the car has been repaired, and the car’s age, make, model, and history of prior damages.

According to Carfax data, the average hit to the retail price of a used car after an accident is about $500[1]. A major consideration in determining a car’s valuation after an accident is whether or not it has been repaired. If the car is still damaged and has not been repaired, it will be worth less than it otherwise would be.

The impact of accidents on car value is also influenced by the car’s age, make, model, prior damages, and the severity and type of damages suffered in the accident. For instance, if the car has a history of prior damages, even if fully repaired, its value will be negatively affected.

That’s pretty much all we have to share on how to find out what type of accident a car was in. Hope you find the post helpful. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to leave a comment below.

Reference:
[1] Understanding Diminished Value Claims After A Car Accident, Carfax.com