Car damage in the USA: classification and risks

Columbus has been helping its customers deliver used vehicles from the US for 10 years. The company's specialists can precisely determine the damage done to cars displayed at American insurance auctions thanks to the extensive experience gained in the American auto industry. Typically, their assessment matches the damage classification from Copart, IAAI, or Manheim marketplaces. But some expert commentary will not be superfluous.

Front End. Typically, damage of this kind is the result of a collision with an obstacle or a vehicle. As a rule, attachments, optics suffer in this case, small defects (chips, scratches) in the front part are possible. With a strong impact, the spars and the motor can be damaged.

Columbus advice: It's critical to reduce all risks. Managers of Columbus can perform an additional technical inspection on a car in the USA and provide it with a photo report.

Rear End. Type of body defects, usually obtained during a collision with a vehicle that was moving behind, or as a result of hitting an obstacle driving backwards.

Columbus advice: Due to the low cost of restoration and ease of repair, our company's specialists frequently advise customers to purchase vehicles with rear defects.

Side. A typical consequence of an accident involving other cars, usually in traffic. Cars from the USA are typically imported with such defects. Repairs are mainly related to the replacement of attachments and / or leveling work.

Columbus advice: Please keep in mind that our company only recommends car repairs at trusted service stations. Because the stations are interested in more orders, all work is done carefully and on time. Repair control is carried out by Columbus specialists.

All Over. The type of damage that requires bodywork or, if you're lucky, cosmetic. However, most of the body parts require qualified repair, which raises the restoration cost.

Columbus advice: only buy cars with such damage with the assistance of a specialist. The only way to avoid unexpected costs is to have an accurate diagnosis. Sometimes what appears to be minor damage conceals a major issue!

Hail. This is about natural elements causing damage. In most cases, we are talking about a few minor dings, but there may be significant damage associated with the replacement of broken windows, the cost of which can be substantial.

Columbus advice: using the services of our company, you can purchase spare parts at the lowest possible price - in the United States or in warehouses in other countries where Columbus is represented.

Top Roof. Such damage to the car often appears after impacts from above. They can be caused by an object that has fallen on the roof / hood, or a large vehicle.

Columbus advice: Significant damage can only be repaired by a complete roof replacement. We do not recommend purchasing lots with such defects (unless at the request of the client).

Normal Wear. That is natural wear and tear. This is how cars with high mileage are designated. Since the cars were operated in the USA, where the roads are in excellent condition, you can put up with this definition.

Columbus advice: we still recommend buying such cars only after a comprehensive check of their history in specialized American databases (for example, CARFAX). Columbus will help in organizing such a check for a nominal sum.

Vandalism. This refers to causing damage to cars by third parties. The most common result of illegal actions of vandals in relation to transport: inscriptions with a marker, punctured or cut tires, broken windows, scratches on the body, etc.

Columbus advice: if the damage is limited to scratches and inscriptions, this is not the worst option. Painting work in Georgia is cheaper than in the USA.

VP-Replaced VIN. Another designation of problems is associated with unscrupulous citizens who have altered or replaced the main car code. Sometimes the VIN number is redone, sometimes they embed a number from another car into the body, and sometimes they hide it behind defects.

Columbus advice: lots in this category are only suitable for spare parts, but even in this case, there may be customs clearance issues. We strongly advise against purchasing such vehicles.

Missing/Alerted VIN. The result is the inability to check the VIN.

Columbus advice: Cars with such a feature in their description are categorically not recommended for purchase.

Water/Flood. Damage caused by the water element. "Drowned cars," the acquisition of which everyone, like fire, is terrified. Indeed, these are cars whose fate is unpredictable. Water-flooded wiring or microcircuits can fail at any time, even after a long period of time since the accident.

Columbus advice: Since hurricanes and floods are common in America, Water/Flood problems are not uncommon. Sometimes among the "drowned cars," it is possible to choose worthy specimens. However, there are no guarantees.

Burn (engine, interior). A fire can occur due to natural causes or as a result of arson. One of the most common descriptions of a misfortune that happened to a car at Copart or Insurance auctions.

Columbus advice: Fire damage can be minor, but there are also cars that are completely unworthy of attention. Columbus specialists will examine the lots and recommend the best solution.

Biohazard / Chemical. This type of damage, as a rule, is associated with the appearance of extraneous odors in the cabin. The reasons for the smell are very diverse: from a dead mouse to spilled construction paint or gasoline.

Columbus advice: If you're not overly sensitive to smells, these lots are worth checking out. Moreover, modern autocosmetics work wonderfully.

Mechanical. Damage to the main components and assemblies. Engine damage or Transmission damage are the most difficult defects.

Columbus advice: only purchase such vehicles after calculating the cost of a complete unit replacement. Let us remind you that Columbus will assist you in acquiring them (including used ones).

Minor dents/scratches. It’s rather a damage to the paintwork than the body. The consequences of hitting a curb, colliding with a supermarket cart, and other trifling incidents.

Columbus advice: You must understand that marketplaces such as Copart do not ship cars because of a few scratches on the side, even if they are in the US, where it is easier to sell a car than to repair it. Dealers frequently conceal so-called "dolls" under minor damage, i.e. cars that have only been slightly restored after an accident. Cars "with scratches" are only recommended for purchase after a thorough examination of their service history.

Partial/Incomplete Repair. This is a sort of verdict: the previous car owner started repairing the car too slowly and did not finish it.

Columbus advice: such an inscription is frequently the result of a broken car being re-auctioned after a minor cosmetic repair. Only buy after consulting with Columbus experts!

Rejected Repair. In most cases, we're talking about cars that have been restored by an insurer or a dealer.

Columbus advice: buying such lots makes sense, but only after a professional assessment by Columbus specialists.

Rollover. A car that has overturned earlier with its body geometry broken.

Columbus advice: we do not recommend buying such "acrobats".

Stripped. One of the consequences of vandalism, or the dismantling of individual elements of a car at an insurance auction.

Columbus advice: we do not recommend buying such cars. Those cars can arrive without interior panelling, seats, ceilings and who knows what else.

Undercarriage. A car with mechanical damage to the suspension or the lower part of the car in general.

Columbus advice: the effects of impacts on the undercarriage are very difficult to accurately diagnose, so you need to be very careful when purchasing cars with such a "brand". In a car with a problematic chassis, not only the chassis can be broken, but also the engine and gearbox. It is safer to refuse to purchase.

Recovered Thefts. In the United States, in the event of a car theft, the insurance company reimburses the owner for the damage caused, exactly until the moment when the car is found by the police. The car is then put up for sale.

Columbus advice: This is a good option. Such lots, in general, do not require costly repairs and are sold at a reasonable price. Check the vehicle for hidden damage and make sure it has a set of keys.