Does Replacing the Bumper and Radiator Count as an Accident Vehicle?
2 Answers
Replacing the bumper and radiator counts as an accident vehicle. Minor Accidents: Generally speaking, if the damaged parts are replaceable components, it is considered a minor accident. For example, damage to the front bumper, headlights, front fenders, and of course, the radiator. However, it still qualifies as an accident vehicle. Major Accidents: If the damage involves non-replaceable parts of the car, such as the frame rails, rocker panels, or A/B/C pillars, which can only be repaired through reshaping, cutting, or welding, then it is classified as a severe accident vehicle. If the car is an accident vehicle, its structural integrity will be significantly compromised after repairs, and its resale value as a used car will depreciate much more compared to a minor accident vehicle.
I dealt with a similar situation last year when my car was rear-ended and had to replace the front bumper and radiator. It's been running perfectly fine since the repair, with no issues during acceleration or starting. The repair shop owner told me the key is whether the frame and longitudinal beams were affected—as long as the main structure wasn't deformed or cut, it doesn't count as a salvage vehicle. However, you should clearly disclose the repair details when selling it second-hand, as some picky buyers might negotiate the price. For daily driving, there's no need to worry about safety at all—you can still take it on long trips without hesitation.
