After a car collision, one of the most concerning issues is structural or frame damage. You might be wondering, “Can you repair frame damage on a car?” The good news is, according to industry experts, frame damage can often be repaired if the right procedures and expertise are applied.
According to Collision Advice CEO Mike Anderson and Database Enhancement Gateway (DEG) Administrator Danny Gredinberg, in a recent Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) Consumer Tip video, modern vehicles are designed with structures that absorb impact during collisions. This design allows for these structures to be returned to their original, pre-collision condition through proper repair techniques.
Gredinberg emphasizes, “Because structural damage is a very common occurrence it can be corrected.” He advises car owners to inquire about a repair shop’s capabilities: “Ask your shop, what kind of tools, equipment, and training do they have? If the shop has made the required investment, which can cost a lot of money, structural damage can be fixed correctly following manufacturers’ procedures.”
Understanding the Repairability of Frame Damage
A Kelley Blue Book (KBB) article further elaborates on the topic of vehicle frame damage repair, outlining what constitutes frame damage, its causes, identification, and repair considerations. KBB notes that while frame damage is often repairable, the economic feasibility plays a crucial role. “Depending on the severity of the damage, frame damage is repairable, but insurance companies will usually declare the car a total loss if repairing the frame damage on a vehicle costs more than its value,” they state.
This highlights a critical point: the decision to repair frame damage often hinges on a cost-benefit analysis, primarily conducted by insurance companies. However, KBB suggests seeking a second opinion regarding repairability, independent of your insurer. A reputable collision repair shop can provide a detailed inspection, often requiring disassembly to fully assess the extent of the damage. Another avenue for dispute resolution is an appraisal clause in your insurance policy, allowing for an independent third-party appraiser to evaluate whether repair or total loss is more appropriate.
Choosing the Right Repair Shop for Frame Damage
It’s crucial to understand that not all auto body shops are equipped to handle frame damage repair. KBB points out, “Not every body shop is equipped or knowledgeable enough to return a frame to its pre-accident integrity. Getting the work done right requires training, experience, and the proper equipment.” Therefore, selecting a repair shop with specialized frame repair equipment, trained technicians, and a commitment to following Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) procedures is paramount.
In cases of severe frame damage, even with expert repair, restoring the vehicle to a safe and fully functional condition might not be possible. Insurance companies will typically declare such vehicles a total loss. While keeping a totaled vehicle and attempting to repair it yourself might seem like a cost-saving option, especially with a salvage title, KBB strongly advises against this practice due to safety concerns and future resale limitations. These vehicles are often unsafe to drive and can only be sold to salvage yards.
Total Loss Doesn’t Always Mean the End of the Road
The term “total loss” often creates the misconception that a vehicle’s life is over and it will be removed from the roads permanently. However, as clarified during a Collision Industry Conference (CIC) meeting last year by Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA) Executive Director Sandy Blalock and Auto Claim Specialists Managing Director Robert McDorman, this isn’t always the case. While some totaled cars are indeed beyond safe repair, others can be rebuilt safely and legally put back into service.
McDorman’s analysis of 200 total loss claims revealed that while a majority (66.5%) were correctly titled as salvage, a significant portion (19%) retained clean titles, often indicating unreported or poorly repaired damage. These vehicles, unsafely rebuilt, can re-enter the market, posing risks to unsuspecting buyers.
Blalock further explained that total loss thresholds, which determine when a vehicle is declared totaled, vary by state. Furthermore, the total loss determination isn’t solely based on repair costs exceeding the vehicle’s value. The “total loss formula,” commonly used in the collision industry, considers both repair costs and the vehicle’s salvage value relative to its pre-accident cash value.
Identifying Frame Damage: What to Look For
If you suspect frame damage after an accident, or even from general wear and tear, knowing the signs is important. Understanding your car’s frame type is also helpful. Modern cars predominantly use a unibody construction, where the frame and body are integrated as a single unit. This design incorporates crumple zones for safety, but significant impacts can bend or break the unibody frame. In contrast, older vehicles, pickup trucks, and some SUVs may use a body-on-frame construction, where the body is bolted to a separate frame, offering more flexibility for towing and hauling but still susceptible to damage.
Kelley Blue Book outlines several key indicators of potential frame damage:
- Uneven Tire Wear: Unusual or accelerated wear on tires can be a sign of misalignment caused by a bent frame.
- Dog Tracking: If your vehicle appears to move diagonally, leaving offset tracks when driving straight, it strongly suggests a bent frame.
- Misaligned Body Panels: Gaps or poor fitment of body panels, particularly around doors, trunk, and hood seams, can indicate frame distortion. Doors or trunk lids that stick or don’t close smoothly are also red flags.
- Steering Issues: If your car pulls to one side even after a wheel alignment, frame damage could be the underlying cause.
- Unusual Noises: New rattles or squeaks, especially when combined with any of the above symptoms, can point to structural issues.
The Importance of OEM Repair Procedures
Regardless of the type and severity of frame damage, ensuring proper repair is paramount for safety and vehicle longevity. If a repair shop deems frame damage repairable, verifying their adherence to OEM repair procedures is essential. OEM procedures are detailed guidelines provided by vehicle manufacturers, outlining the correct steps, materials, and techniques for repairing vehicles to their original factory specifications. Following these procedures is crucial for maintaining the vehicle’s structural integrity and safety features after frame repairs.
Conclusion: Frame Damage Repair is Possible with the Right Approach
So, can you repair frame damage on a car? The answer is often yes, but with crucial caveats. Repairing car frame damage is possible, especially with advancements in repair technology and techniques. However, it requires a qualified collision repair shop equipped with the right tools, expertise, and commitment to OEM repair procedures. Understanding the potential for total loss declarations by insurance companies and being informed about the signs of frame damage are also vital for car owners. Prioritizing safety and proper repair methods is key to ensuring your vehicle is returned to a safe and reliable condition after experiencing frame damage.
