Understanding Damage Codes

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Familiarizing yourself with vehicle damage codes is crucial for success when buying clean or salvage title vehicles at auction. Whether you have experience with bidding or are new to the process, understanding these codes correctly can markedly improve your results. Often listed on the Copart yard listing the vehicle, these damage codes can provide valuable insights into the car’s condition. However, understanding them properly requires a deep dive into our car auction guide.

What Are Damage Codes?

Damage codes are abbreviated descriptions of a car’s condition determined by the yard auctioning it off. They are beneficial auto auction terminology for buyers because they allow salvage title cars and auctions to be more easily understood. However, it’s crucial to know that these codes are not definitive indicators of the vehicle’s state but merely as a reference. For this reason, a proper inspection and a vehicle history report are recommended before buying salvage cars at auction.

Below is a detailed breakdown of the most common damage codes so you can more easily understand this auto auction terminology and how to read damage codes effectively.

All Over:

This means the vehicle has been damaged in multiple spots, such as front and rear, sides, and roof.

Biohazard/Chemical:

Chemical or biohazard contamination affects the vehicle. Members cannot bid on biohazard vehicles themselves; you’ll need to call AutoBidMaster and speak with a customer service agent to have them place a bid on your behalf.

Burn:

If a vehicle’s damage code is “burn,” it means that most or all of the vehicle was damaged by fire rather than just the engine or interior. There are specific damage codes for other kinds of burn damage below.

Burn – Engine:

This damage code signifies that the engine caught fire and was damaged, including electrical and mechanical components.

Burn – Interior:

This means that any part of the interior was damaged by fire. This includes the trunk as well.

Damage History:

This signifies a vehicle that has been significantly damaged but has undergone repairs.

Car Damage Categories

Frame Damage:

The frame or chassis has been damaged or compromised.

Front End:

The vehicle was involved in a collision or accident that damaged the car’s front end, from the ‘a-post’ and forward—for example, the hood, bumper, fenders, and so on.

Hail:

The vehicle was damaged by hail. This includes body panels and windows.

Mechanical:

Vehicles marked with the damage code “mechanical” have damage that includes (but is not limited to) damage to the transmission or the engine. Please note that Run & Drive verified is indicated by the Copart yard and only reflects that the vehicle moved forward and backward under its power when it arrived at the yard.

Minor Dents/Scratches:

A vehicle marked with minor dents/scratches has minor dents and small scratches on multiple panels.

Missing/Altered VIN:

The VIN has either been altered or removed, and the vehicle’s history cannot accurately be represented.

Normal Wear:

A vehicle marked “Normal Wear” is typically in good condition and has no visible evidence of significant damage. However, it’s always better to check the VIN history and discover more details on the vehicle’s technical state.

Detailed Codes for Specific Damage Types

Partial Repair:

As a rule, a vehicle with partial repair has evidence of poor or incomplete maintenance to the body, chassis, or paint.

Rear End:

The vehicle sustained damage to the rear end, including (but not limited to) rear quarter panels, bumper, and trunk.

Rejected Repair:

This means the vehicle underwent repairs of poor quality.

Replaced VIN:

The VIN has either been altered or removed, and the vehicle’s history cannot accurately be represented.

Rollover:

The vehicle was involved in an accident in which it rolled over, damaging multiple panels, including the roof. This includes possible engine damage.

Side:

The vehicle has visible damage to either side of the car. This can include wheels and tires.

Stripped:

Parts and/or components were removed or are missing in the vehicle.

Top/Roof:

The vehicle has visible damage to the roof, door, and/or tailgate tops.

Undercarriage:

The vehicle has visible damage to its underside – including (but not limited to) the frame, body, axles, and any fittings, including the suspension, exhaust, and fuel tank.

Unknown:

The damage to the vehicle cannot accurately be represented.

Vandalism:

Vandalism damage is often related to break-ins and is typically light – such as theft-related damage to door handles and locks, slashed upholstery, destroyed paint, compromised steering locks and ignition wiring, etc.

Water/Flood:

The vehicle was damaged by water. This could mean the interior, frame, engine, electrical components, and more have been compromised.

How to Read Damage Codes and Assess Used Cars

When buying salvage cars on online auctions, understanding vehicle damage types is not the only important aspect. Conducting a comprehensive used car damage assessment is also a vital step you should take. Here are some vehicle inspection tips:

Inspect the Vehicle Thoroughly

You might want to go to the yard yourself or hire a mechanic; in either case, make sure a professional inspection is carried out. Keep an eye on important parts of the car like the undercarriage, engine bay, and interior.

Check the Vehicle History Report

A vehicle history report provides critical information like past accidents, type of damage, extent of the damage, ownership history, and title status, e.g. salvage vs clean title.

Use a Used Car Buying Checklist

When buying a used car, making use of a checklist can help ensure you don’t overlook critical details like engine performance, suspension condition, and electrical systems.

Understand Auto Auction Terminology

Familiarize yourself with terms like “Run & Drive” and “As-Is” to so everything is clear during bidding and you can make fully informed decisions.

Learn the Copart Damage Code Meaning

Each auction platform potentially has different terminology, so understanding the specific damage codes used by Copart or other auction yards is crucial.

Summing Up

Damage codes help guide your search, but Copart doesn’t guarantee them. If you live near the yard where the vehicle you’re interested in is stored, you can arrange to inspect the car in person. You can also designate a 3rd party mechanic to inspect the vehicle for you.

Now that you understand damage codes better browse our available inventory with our vehicle finder. Happy bidding!