Does a Rear-End Collision Count as an Accident Vehicle?
2 Answers
Currently, there is no standardized definition for what constitutes an accident vehicle, and perspectives vary slightly among different industry professionals. For instance, used car dealers typically only classify vehicles involved in major accidents as accident vehicles, while some sectors adopt much stricter criteria, where even minor scratches or dents may qualify a car as an accident vehicle. Below are some common criteria for identifying accident vehicles: 1. Engine Compartment Damage: Vehicles that have sustained damage to the engine compartment or passenger compartment due to impact. 2. Rear Quarter Panel: Vehicles where the rear quarter panel has been damaged by impact exceeding one-third of its area. 3. Frame Rails: Vehicles with welded, cut, reshaped, or deformed frame rails.
I've helped a friend deal with a similar issue before. Whether a rear-end collision turns a car into a salvage vehicle depends on the extent of the damage. Minor scratches that only require repainting the rear bumper don't count—just touch up the paint and it's done. But if the collision is severe, such as deformation of the trunk, bending of the anti-collision beam, or damage to the trunk structure, it generally meets the criteria for a salvage vehicle. Salvage vehicles not only affect safety but also significantly reduce resale value—buyers checking the repair records will likely offer at least a 20-30% discount. If the collision caused airbag deployment or displacement of the rear longitudinal beam, even after repairs, a wheel alignment is necessary. Personally, I wouldn't dare to drive such a car long-term. After an accident, it's crucial to check the repair records from the dealership to see if the frame was damaged.
