Damage codes

One of the most important aspects of buying clean or salvage title vehicles at auction is understanding the damage codes. Vehicles can have multiple damage codes, but the order in which they appear doesn’t mean that one is more prevalent than the other. Damage codes are indicated by auctions, and they are for reference only. Also we strongly recommend you get a vehicle history report.

All Over

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

Biohazard/Chemical

There is a chemical or biohazard contamination affecting the vehicle.

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, such as 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.

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 front end of the vehicle, 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.

Minor Dents/Scratches

A vehicle marked minor dents/scratches has minor dents and small scratches to 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.

Partial Repair

A vehicle with partial repair has evidence of poor or incomplete repairs 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 that were 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 vehicle. This can include wheels and tires.

Stripped

Parts and/or components were removed or are missing from 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 in nature, such as theft related damage to door handles and locks, slashed upholstery, destroyed paint, compromised steering locks and ignition wiring, and so forth.

Water/Flood

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