Each year thousands of people unwittingly buy cars that have been severely damaged in accidents. It’s not too difficult for dishonest rebuilders to patch such vehicles up quickly and turn a profit by selling them to unsuspecting buyers.
To avoid becoming a victim of such auto scams, keep reading our blog.
1. Understand what happens to “totaled” vehicles. If a car or truck is damaged so badly that the cost of repairs exceeds its value, insurance companies typically declare the vehicle to be a total loss and pay out a claim to the owner. Then many insurers sell these totaled vehicles at salvage auctions. Sometimes the cars get purchased for their parts or scrap materials; in other instances, they get snatched up by rebuilders or by car dealers who hire rebuilders.
2. Check the vehicle’s title. Does it reveal the car or truck’s storied past with the words “salvage title” or another similar expression, such as “parts only,” “unrebuildable” or “scrap”? If so, that’s a sign of a past accident. If not, don’t assume that the car is completely OK. Those words appear on the titles that insurance companies hand over at salvage auctions, but it’s not hard for those in the barely regulated rebuilding industry to have that disclosure removed. One way to do this is to bring the car to a different state and re-register it.
3. Ask the seller point blank. The simplest way to find out whether the car has been in an accident is to ask. Unfortunately, though, the seller may not be up front with you. Nevertheless, make it a habit to ask this question clearly and directly.
4. Go to a mechanic. Whenever you buy a used car, it’s important to have the vehicle carefully inspected by a mechanic — ideally a mechanic with a background in collision repair. Even if you are worried about the cost, get the inspection anyway. It’s worth it!
