FAQ
Frequently asked questions
The short, honest answers buyers ask us most about understand damage before you bid.
- What is the difference between primary and secondary damage?
- Primary damage is the main reported impact area; secondary damage is additional reported damage. Neither field captures everything, so always assume there is more underneath than the labels show.
- Can I tell if a car has frame damage from photos?
- Sometimes. Misaligned panel gaps, rippled metal, and pushed-in rails are clues, but only a proper measurement confirms structural damage. When in doubt, budget for it.
- Does a salvage title always mean a bad car?
- No. Many salvage cars are repairable and become safe, titled vehicles. The title brand simply tells you the car was declared a total loss at some point, which affects value and required repairs.
- How do I estimate repair cost before bidding?
- Add parts, paint, labor, and calibration for the visible damage, then add a contingency for hidden damage. A full report on AutoEstimatePro speeds this up considerably.
- Are auction photos ever misleading?
- They are incomplete more than misleading. Important areas like the frame, undercarriage, and engine bay are often not shown clearly, which is why a critical reading matters.
- Should I get a body shop estimate too?
- If you plan to have the car professionally repaired, yes. Tools like AutoRepairEstimate.ai help shops produce preliminary estimates quickly.
Ready to dig into the details before you bid?
Auction Damage Report is the research step. AutoEstimatePro is where you pull the full report, decode the VIN, and see estimated damage and repair costs in one place.