Frame damage causes one of the highest value losses a car can face. Even after proper repairs, most buyers and dealers reduce what they are willing to pay. In most cases, frame damage lowers a car’s value by 20% to 60%.
This guide explains how much value is lost, why it happens, and what factors change the final number.
What Is Frame Damage?
The frame supports the entire vehicle. It holds the engine, suspension, and safety systems in place. When a crash bends or weakens this structure, the car loses structural integrity.
Most modern cars use a unibody structure, where the body and frame act as one unit. Damage to this structure affects safety, alignment, and long-term durability.
Common examples include:
- Bent frame rails
- Crushed crumple zones
- Shifted suspension mounting points
- Structural welding or straightening
How Much Value Does Frame Damage Reduce?
Average Devaluation Range of your car is mentioned below. Have a look –
| Damage Level | Typical Value Loss |
|---|---|
| Minor structural damage | 20%–30% |
| Moderate frame damage | 30%–45% |
| Severe frame damage | 45%–60% or more |
These numbers apply after repairs and assume the damage appears on a vehicle history report.
Why Frame Damage Lowers Value So Much
Permanent Damage History
Once reported, frame damage stays on record. Buyers and dealers see it as a lasting risk.
Safety Concerns
Repairs improve driveability, but they cannot fully restore factory strength. This affects crash performance.
Lower Buyer Demand
Most buyers avoid cars with structural damage. Fewer buyers mean lower prices.
Dealer Risk
Dealers often send frame-damaged cars to auction. This lowers trade-in and resale offers
Does Repaired Frame Damage Still Affect Value?
Yes. Repairs do not remove the loss.
Even if:
- The repair shop follows factory measurements
- The car drives straight
- Panels align correctly
The car still suffers inherent diminished value. This means the loss exists due to damage history alone.
How Frame Damage Affects Different Values
Resale Value
Private buyers often expect 30% to 50% discounts, especially on newer vehicles.
Trade-In Value
Dealers may reduce offers by $3,000 to $10,000 or more, based on car type and age.
Insurance Value
Insurers may label severe frame damage as a total loss, even if repairs are possible.
What Are the Factors That Change the Amount of Devaluation
1. Vehicle Age: Newer cars lose more value because buyers expect a clean history.
2. Vehicle Type: Luxury, sports, and electric vehicles lose more due to higher resale standards.
3. Severity of Damage: A bent frame rail causes more loss than a minor structural correction.
4. Location of Damage: Front and rear frame damage usually lowers the value more than side damage.
5. Repair Records: Clear repair invoices help buyer trust, but do not erase value loss.
How Much Does Frame Damage Devalue a Car?
Frame damage usually reduces a car’s value by 20% to 60%, even after proper repairs. The loss depends on damage severity, vehicle type, and market demand.
If another driver caused the damage, documenting this loss is important. Many owners leave money unpaid simply because they do not measure the value drop correctly.
FAQs
Q. Is Buying a Frame-Damaged Car a Good Idea?
Buying a frame-damaged car can make sense only at a heavy discount. These vehicles have lower resale value even after repairs. Buyers should check repair records and frame measurements. Sellers must disclose frame damage to avoid legal issues.
Q. How much does frame damage reduce car value?
Frame damage usually reduces car value by 20% to 60%, even after repairs. The exact amount depends on damage severity, vehicle age, and market demand.
Q. Does repaired frame damage still count as diminished value?
Yes. Repaired frame damage still causes inherent diminished value because buyers avoid cars with a structural damage history.
Q. Will insurance pay for diminished value due to frame damage?
Insurance may pay diminished value if another driver caused the accident. Most insurers do not offer it unless the owner files a claim with proof.
Q. Is frame damage worse than cosmetic damage?
Yes. Frame damage affects safety and structure. Cosmetic damage mainly affects appearance and causes a smaller value loss.
Q. Can a car with frame damage be totaled?
Yes. Insurers often declare cars total losses when frame damage repair costs or value loss exceed policy limits.
Q. How do insurers calculate diminished value?
Many insurers use simplified formulas that ignore real market behavior. These methods often undervalue frame damage losses.
Q. Do I need a professional appraisal for frame damage claims?
Yes. A professional appraisal provides documented proof of loss and improves negotiation results with insurers.
Q. Does MyFairClaim handle frame damage cases?
Yes. MyFairClaim specializes in diminished value claims, including cases involving minor, moderate, and severe frame damage.
James Andrews serves as Senior Claims Specialist at MyFairClaim, focusing on denial reversals and complex diminished value cases. With over 12 years of battling insurance company denials, he has developed strategies that overturn 73% of initial rejections. His expertise in turning “hopeless” denials into successful recoveries has helped thousands recover money insurance companies insisted didn’t exist.
