Buying a Wrecked Car: Risks & Implications for Insurance Coverage
Among the used cars for sale, some are in good condition, while others have endured serious car crashes. Buyers should not fear purchasing such cars, provided they can accurately assess the damage and the prospects for repair and use, including insurance options.
Thinking of buying a car that’s been in an accident? Here’s when to proceed and when to reconsider.
Types of Damage from Accidents: What You Should Know
Experts categorize the damage that wrecked or salvage cars for sale could have sustained into two groups: external damage and damage to structural elements.
External Damage
External damage affects various body parts, such as the hood, trunk lid, fenders, bumper, or doors. This damage can include:
- Deformation
- Cracks
- Scratches
- Dents
- Paint damage
These parts are usually the first to suffer in a collision, and their condition reveals the extent of the car’s damage. If no prior repairs have been made and the car is sold “as is,” the buyer can immediately see which part took the hit and estimate the repair cost.
However, if the previous owner restored the body, determining the accident’s severity by eye is challenging. In this case, you can measure the paint layer’s thickness on all parts to identify which have been changed.
A car with damage limited to external elements can be a potential purchase, as repairs are likely less costly.
Damage to Structural Elements
Structural elements, often referred to as power elements, include:
- Pillars
- Roof
- Sills
- Sidebars
These elements only sustain damage in severe collisions. In a serious crash, power elements absorb the impact and can suffer significant deformation. Restoring these elements involves pulling them out and reinforcing them with metal plates and corners, which are noticeable upon inspection.
Deciding to buy such a car depends on which parts were damaged. For instance, if only the radiator panel or one sidebar was deformed, you can purchase such a car without fear.
Implications for Insurance
Buying a salvage or wrecked car can complicate insurance coverage and costs. Firstly, few insurance companies are willing to provide coverage for salvage or rebuilt vehicles. Therefore, you must carefully plan your insurance policy choice and purchase.
Insuring a wrecked or repaired car can be more expensive. Insurance companies will likely conduct an expert assessment of your car’s condition and impose significant limitations and amendments to a standard insurance policy.
The Bottom Line
Purchasing a wrecked car can be akin to a risky gamble with uncertain outcomes. However, the more you know about types of damage and how to accurately assess their degrees, the higher your chances for success. After all, as in any game of chance, perseverance and experience are the winning combination that distinguishes great players from simply good ones.
