Best practices for documenting an accident
11-07-2018, 08:49 AM
#1
Racer
Thread Starter
Best practices for documenting an accident
Looking to purchase a vehicle.
Car was parked at my mechanics shop when a lady backed into it. She messed up the front bumper on the corner requiring a new bumper, clips, paint. No other damage.
Current owner has pictures of the damage as well as documentation from insurance company on all parts / labor that was paid out for the damage.
What else should I get?
Was thinking a notarized statement that the damage listed was the only damage the vehicle has occurred and no other damage was reported.
How bad will this hurt re-sale later? "ASSuming" CarFax will report this as a Minor Accident no Air Bags Deployed or similar.
Car was parked at my mechanics shop when a lady backed into it. She messed up the front bumper on the corner requiring a new bumper, clips, paint. No other damage.
Current owner has pictures of the damage as well as documentation from insurance company on all parts / labor that was paid out for the damage.
What else should I get?
Was thinking a notarized statement that the damage listed was the only damage the vehicle has occurred and no other damage was reported.
How bad will this hurt re-sale later? "ASSuming" CarFax will report this as a Minor Accident no Air Bags Deployed or similar.
11-07-2018, 09:41 AM
#3
"Was thinking a notarized statement that the damage listed was the only damage the vehicle..."...
And who exactly would be making this statement? The seller? Is the seller qualified to make determinations about possible hidden vehicle damage? If i were the seller, I would not sell it to you because you sound like a nut who will come back to haunt me.
And who exactly would be making this statement? The seller? Is the seller qualified to make determinations about possible hidden vehicle damage? If i were the seller, I would not sell it to you because you sound like a nut who will come back to haunt me.
11-07-2018, 09:42 AM
#4
Looking to purchase a vehicle.
Car was parked at my mechanics shop when a lady backed into it. She messed up the front bumper on the corner requiring a new bumper, clips, paint. No other damage.
Current owner has pictures of the damage as well as documentation from insurance company on all parts / labor that was paid out for the damage.
What else should I get?
Was thinking a notarized statement that the damage listed was the only damage the vehicle has occurred and no other damage was reported.
How bad will this hurt re-sale later? "ASSuming" CarFax will report this as a Minor Accident no Air Bags Deployed or similar.
Car was parked at my mechanics shop when a lady backed into it. She messed up the front bumper on the corner requiring a new bumper, clips, paint. No other damage.
Current owner has pictures of the damage as well as documentation from insurance company on all parts / labor that was paid out for the damage.
What else should I get?
Was thinking a notarized statement that the damage listed was the only damage the vehicle has occurred and no other damage was reported.
How bad will this hurt re-sale later? "ASSuming" CarFax will report this as a Minor Accident no Air Bags Deployed or similar.
I personally would find a different car to purchase. Diminution of value from the accident is real.
11-07-2018, 10:36 AM
#5
Rennlist Member
This is tough. Because let’s say you hire an expert 3rd party to stop by and look at the car. Even then, the 3rd party could be wrong. This is precisely what happened to me. I bought a car that looked perfect, clean carfax, and then 2 years later discovered it was in an accident. Even the 3rd party got it wrong.
That said, a 3rd party - a real expert - can “see” exactly what damage was done, regardless of what a seller, buyer, or CarFax will show. That’s your best bet.
A bumper accident is not a problem if that’s all it was. But like was said, if it’s marked on the title, and shows accident history, resale will suffer in terms of value and market.
That said, a 3rd party - a real expert - can “see” exactly what damage was done, regardless of what a seller, buyer, or CarFax will show. That’s your best bet.
A bumper accident is not a problem if that’s all it was. But like was said, if it’s marked on the title, and shows accident history, resale will suffer in terms of value and market.
11-07-2018, 11:04 AM
#6
Racer
Thread Starter
Understood. The notarized info was more as a re-assurance that more damage was not found after. i.e. They remove bumper during repair and find additional damage.
Not trying to be a "nut", but covering my basis while I can.
Not trying to be a "nut", but covering my basis while I can.
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11-07-2018, 11:41 AM
#8
Racer
Thread Starter
Picking my battles.
This one has this blemish but comes with good service history, especially the last 3 yrs. My indy has been servicing it and has provided me worst case scenarios for repairs along with a plan to address them.
This one has this blemish but comes with good service history, especially the last 3 yrs. My indy has been servicing it and has provided me worst case scenarios for repairs along with a plan to address them.
11-07-2018, 12:10 PM
#9
Rennlist Member
If resale is a concern to you, pass on this car...Otherwise buy it and enjoy it!