Is a Car Considered a Total Loss if It Has Been Cut?
2 Answers
The rear fender being cut is considered a major accident for a car. If the rear fender of a car has been cut and replaced, then it is classified as an accident vehicle. If it has only undergone sheet metal repair without involving cutting and welding, it is not considered an accident vehicle. The rear fender is also sometimes referred to as the rear panel. In rear-end collisions, the first part to be damaged is the rear bumper, followed by the rear panel. More relevant information is as follows: 1. Replacement: Replacing the rear panel is not a simple task. It requires drilling each weld point one by one; just drilling open the weld points of the rear panel can take half a day. Additionally, welding it back and applying sealant is very troublesome. Therefore, whether to replace or repair depends on the actual situation. 2. Note: Generally, if the rear panel is slightly dented, it can be slowly pulled out using a frame or a pull hammer without needing to cut the rear panel. However, if the spare tire floor is severely deformed, especially if the frame is damaged, then cutting the rear panel is unavoidable. The rear panel is cut off, the frame and spare tire chassis are straightened, and finally, a new rear panel is welded on.
I've been repairing cars for over a decade and have seen many vehicles that were sectioned. Sectioning usually occurs when a car suffers severe damage from a major accident, causing significant deformation to the frame or body. In such cases, mechanics have to cut out the damaged sections and weld in new parts. Cars repaired this way are definitely accident vehicles—meaning they have a history of structural collisions. On the surface, a sectioned car might look fine, but its actual strength is compromised, making it riskier to drive at high speeds. In the used car market, some sellers hide accident histories, but careful inspection of weld seams or the undercarriage can reveal sectioning marks. Buyers must be cautious, opting for third-party inspections before purchase to avoid wasting money. Safety first—don’t gamble with luck.
