Is Replacing the Side Panel Assembly Considered a Major Accident?
3 Answers
So-called accident vehicles refer to those where the main structure of the body is damaged. Below are specific details regarding this matter:1. Relevant Explanation: This means that only when the non-replaceable structural components of the vehicle body suffer severe damage can it be considered an accident vehicle. Exterior parts, chassis components, and replaceable parts without deformation of the main structure do not qualify as an accident vehicle.2. Impact of Side Panel Replacement: Theoretically, there is no impact. As long as the operation and modification do not involve the safety of the vehicle and the main load-bearing beams, there should be no major issues. The side panel includes the rear quarter panel. For household vehicles, the side panel refers to the large section from the A-pillar of the front door all the way to the rear taillight, including the inner frame, side beams, and quarter panel.
I've been repairing cars for most of my life and have seen too many cases of side panel repairs. Replacing the side panel assembly usually counts as a major accident because it involves the vehicle's frame structure, requiring cutting the original structure and welding new parts. This process alters the original factory design and may compromise safety performance. I once repaired a car that had its side panel replaced after a side collision, and as a result, the airbag sensor sensitivity changed, failing to meet standards in later tests. If the repair is done in a small workshop, the risks are even greater. After such repairs, it's essential to report to the insurance company; otherwise, the resale value can drop significantly, typically by 20% to 30%. I advise owners to choose reputable repair shops after an accident and conduct comprehensive inspections to ensure the frame isn't misaligned. A major accident is defined by whether structural components are affected, and the side panel is a load-bearing area—any work on it constitutes a major issue. Such repairs are time-consuming and costly, but safety should never be compromised.
As an average car owner, my vehicle was rear-ended last year and required replacement of the quarter panel assembly. The insurance company directly classified it as a major accident claim with high costs, and the repair took a full week. Replacing this component indicates severe side damage since it connects to the vehicle's frame—any alteration changes its original state. Now when selling the car, dealers immediately devalue it significantly upon seeing the repair records, offering much lower prices. Personally, I consider this a serious issue because post-repair, I constantly worry about structural instability, especially during high-speed driving when crosswinds make it feel even riskier. Routine maintenance also costs more, such as needing more frequent rustproofing to prevent corrosion at weld points. Checking the vehicle history report shows that structural repairs can depreciate the value by at least 15%. In short, don’t underestimate such repairs—post-repair checks on frame alignment are crucial.
