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Discover how accident damage affects your car's value in South Africa. Compare price scenarios, buyers, and learn the smart way to sell accident-damaged vehicles.
If you own a car that's been in an accident - whether it's a minor bumper ding or major structural damage - understanding what your vehicle is worth can be confusing. South Africa's used car and salvage markets price accident-damaged vehicles very differently than undamaged ones. Offers will depend on the type, extent and visibility of damage, and knowing what impacts the price is essential if you want a fair, transparent deal.
Most private buyers simply won't take the risk of a damaged car. Dealerships and salvage buyers will apply strict criteria and make conservative offers. The good news? You do have options - including reputable car-buying services that specialise in accident vehicles, provide nationwide coverage and even arrange free towing and help with paperwork.
The loss in value from an accident can be dramatic. Even after quality repairs, the history of damage is registered on the eNaTIS system and impacts resale, insurance premiums and potential buyers' confidence.
| Damage Type | Value Retained (%) | Typical Offer Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Minor cosmetic (lights, bumpers) | 70-85% | Slight reduction; may be fixed cost-effectively |
| Moderate panel or mechanical | 40-70% | Noticeably less than undamaged, especially for newer models |
| Structural/chassis/Flood/Fire | 10-40% | Heavily reduced, often offered as spares/salvage |
| Written-off (Code 3/4) | 5-25% | Lowest offers, primarily for dismantling |
It's tempting to fix accident damage before selling, but this isn't always financially worthwhile, especially for significant or structural repairs. Compare costs carefully to avoid spending more than you'll recover when selling.
| Repair Severity | Average Repair Cost (R) | Value Increase After Repair (R) |
|---|---|---|
| Minor (cosmetic) | R3,000 - R10,000 | R6,000 - R12,000 |
| Moderate (panels/suspension) | R12,000 - R35,000 | R10,000 - R25,000 |
| Major (chassis/engine) | R40,000+ | R10,000 - R25,000 |
Where repair costs exceed the likely increase in value, it may be smarter to sell as-is, especially for high-mileage, older, or written-off vehicles.
Valuations start with the unaffected retail/trade value, then adjust based on damage, age, and model demand. For example, a 2018 hatchback with major accident repairs recorded and visible chassis distortion may see its value drop by 60-80% compared to an undamaged counterpart.
Once collected, accident-damaged cars are either stripped for parts, rebuilt (if economically and legally feasible), or processed for scrap. Sales to reputable buyers ensure proper deregistration and reduce the risk of future liability.
Seasoned automotive specialists dedicated to helping you turn your damaged or non-running vehicle into cash fast and hassle-free.
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only. Product availability, pricing, and specifications are subject to change. Always verify current details on the retailer's website before making a purchase. We may earn affiliate commissions from qualifying purchases.
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