Does a smashed front face count as a major accident?
2 Answers
A smashed front face does not necessarily count as a major accident. Here is relevant information about accident vehicles: Definition of an accident vehicle: An accident vehicle refers to a vehicle that has suffered damage from non-natural wear and tear incidents, resulting in decreased mechanical performance and economic value. Generally, an "accident vehicle" refers to one with structural damage. Additionally, water-damaged cars and fire-damaged cars also fall under the category of "special accident vehicles." Methods to identify accident vehicles: Identification methods include exterior inspection, light inspection, insurance record checks, and interior examination. Conditions for quick accident handling: The conditions for quick accident handling are no personal injuries, no disputes over accident liability among the parties involved, the accident vehicle being drivable, all parties involved having vehicle insurance, and willingness to proceed to a designated location for damage assessment.
I experienced a similar situation last month. Although the speed wasn't high, I hit a road curb. The bumper shattered into three pieces, the grille flew several meters away, and the headlight was also broken. When the repair shop disassembled it, they found the radiator support frame deformed, the cooling fan jammed, and slight wrinkling at the front end of the longitudinal beam. The mechanic told me with measuring equipment that although the main structure wasn't damaged, the repair cost exceeded 40% of the car's value, so the insurance company directly classified it as a major accident. Reminder to everyone: even if it looks like only plastic parts are damaged externally, there might be hidden major hazards inside, especially dangerous when pipes near the firewall get deformed.
