Is Replacing a Fender Considered an Accident Vehicle?
2 Answers
Replacing the front fender of a car is considered an accident vehicle. 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. The conditions for an accident vehicle are as follows: 1. The vehicle frame or beam has been bent, deformed, or broken and subsequently repaired. The rear fender (side panel) has been cut or replaced after a collision. 2. The radiator and radiator support have been repaired or replaced after being hit. 3. The doors, lower sill frame, or A/B/C pillars have been bent, deformed, and subsequently repaired or replaced. 4. The entire vehicle has rolled over in an accident, causing deformation, dents, or fractures to the body, which were then repaired or the body was reconstructed.
As a regular car owner who has been driving for a long time, I don't consider replacing a fender as making a car an accident vehicle. The fender is just an outer covering part of the car body, like the car's outer clothing. It's common to replace it after minor scratches or dents. An accident vehicle usually refers to structural damage caused by a major accident, such as frame deformation or airbag deployment. If it's just a fender replacement without touching the frame, it doesn't affect driving safety or leave any lasting issues. I've seen from a friend's car that if the repair is done well, it's almost unnoticeable, and the car's value might only drop slightly. When buying a used car, just check the maintenance records carefully. Don't panic; it's just a minor issue.
