Is a repair cost of over 20,000 yuan considered a major accident?

[DanielAnn]

A repair cost of over 20,000 yuan is not considered a major accident. An accident vehicle refers to a vehicle that has suffered damage due to non-natural wear and tear, resulting in a decline in mechanical performance and economic value. Generally, an "accident vehicle" refers to a vehicle with structural damage. Additionally, water-damaged vehicles and fire-damaged vehicles also fall under the category of "special accident vehicles." Identifying an accident vehicle by checking the glass production date: You can check the production date of the glass, as it is usually not replaced under normal circumstances. The glass date is typically displayed in a format of numbers + dots, where the numbers represent the year and the dots represent the month. Identifying an accident vehicle by examining the wear and tear on the frame: If a vehicle has been involved in a major accident, the body frame will inevitably have varying degrees of dents and misalignment. Therefore, you can determine whether the vehicle has been in a major accident by assessing the wear and tear on the frame. Identifying an accident vehicle by inspecting the screws: You can check the screws on the engine hood, the screws on the radiator support, and the screws connecting the doors. If any of these three screws show abnormalities, it is highly likely that the vehicle has been involved in a major accident. Identifying an accident vehicle by reviewing the maintenance records: You can visit a 4S shop to check the maintenance records. As long as an accident vehicle has been repaired at a 4S shop, there will be a system record of it.

[WalkerAnn]

As an automotive enthusiast, I'd like to share some insights based on years of car experience. A repair cost exceeding twenty thousand yuan is no small matter in the automotive world. For an average car priced around one hundred thousand yuan, a twenty-thousand-yuan repair typically indicates issues with the body frame or chassis—such as front-end collisions affecting structural beams or airbag deployment, which qualifies as a major accident. The definition of a major accident isn't solely based on cost but also considers the type of damage. For instance, replacing a headlight and repainting might only cost a few thousand, but repairs exceeding fifteen thousand often involve core components, posing significant driving risks and severe depreciation upon resale. Additionally, insurance premiums will undoubtedly rise substantially, adding psychological stress. I strongly recommend a thorough professional inspection after such incidents to ensure safety and driving stability. Don’t just take the repair shop’s word for it—hidden instability may persist, making regular preventive checks crucial.

[AliceRose]

Speaking from the perspective of a young car owner who commutes daily, hearing about a repair bill over 20,000 yuan is terrifying—it definitely indicates a major overhaul. Last time my car had a minor scrape, it only cost a little over 1,000 yuan to fix. But this amount suggests a serious collision, possibly involving a full bumper replacement or engine issues, which could leave the car in the shop for weeks. Commuting would then require relying on ride-hailing services, which is both inconvenient and costly. The biggest worry is feeling uneasy after the repair, concerned that the braking system or steering might be affected. If something goes wrong on the highway, it’s no joke. I suggest everyone pay close attention to any changes in their car’s condition after an accident and, if necessary, take it for a test drive to ensure safety. In daily driving, maintain a safe distance and avoid speeding to reduce accidents. Also, keep a close eye on the insurance claims process to prevent delays and avoid further losses disrupting your life.

[OElijah]

From a rational perspective, whether a repair cost exceeding 20,000 RMB qualifies as a major accident depends on the extent of damage and the vehicle's condition. For regular family cars, this amount is relatively high, often indicating severe impacts such as structural deformation, which can directly compromise safety performance. Minor repairs might only cost a few hundred yuan, but spending over 20,000 could still leave hidden issues like loose welding points, affecting driving stability. The key isn't just the figure but the follow-up actions: immediately after repairs, conduct wheel alignment and chassis inspections to ensure potential hazards are addressed. Daily vehicle maintenance shouldn't be overlooked—keeping brakes responsive and tires in good condition helps prevent risks proactively.