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Steps to Get a Quote for a Damaged Car in South Africa - Clear Guide

Overview

If you need steps-to-get-a-quote-for-a-damaged-car in South Africa, this guide walks you through each stage, from preparing photos to understanding how damage type and paperwork affect value. Whether the car is accident-damaged, flood-affected, fire-damaged, non-running or written-off, knowing what assessors look for saves time and helps you receive a more accurate competitive cash offer.

Step 1 - Prepare clear vehicle details and photos

Start by gathering the car's make, model, year, mileage and any service history you have. Take multiple photos: full front, rear, both sides, interior, engine bay (if accessible) and close-ups of each damaged area. Good photos reduce the need for follow-up questions and speed up the quote process.

Include a shot of the vehicle identification number (VIN) or engine number when possible.
Note whether the car starts, moves under its own power, or needs towing.

Step 2 - Provide an honest damage description

Describe visible damage and any mechanical faults. Mention airbag deployment, structural damage, water ingress, fire evidence, or if the vehicle was written off by an insurer. Transparency helps you get a realistic, obligation-free quote and avoids delays later in the process.

When to sell versus repair

Deciding whether to repair or sell depends on repair cost, the car's pre-accident value and how long you can wait. For many South African owners, selling is preferable when the repair cost is a large proportion of the market value or when the car requires lengthy workshop time.

Repair cost range (estimate)	Likely impact on retained value
Minor cosmetic: R2,000-R10,000 (estimate)	Low impact if repaired properly; quick fixes usually retain most value
Moderate body/structural: R10,000-R60,000 (estimate)	Significant impact; buyer may demand discount or prefer salvage route
Major mechanical or structural: R60,000+ (estimate)	High impact; selling for parts or salvage often considered

Notes: figures above are illustrative South Africa estimates (R) to help planning; actual repair costs vary by make, model, location and parts availability. When you follow the steps-to-get-a-quote-for-a-damaged-car, you’ll receive an offer that reflects current market conditions and salvage demand.

How the quote process typically works

Most reputable buyers follow a simple workflow: you submit details and photos, they provide an initial quote, and after you accept, they confirm with a physical inspection or additional photos before collection. Using an online form speeds this up; see how our online workflow operates on the About / How it works page for the typical stages involved.

What buyers check remotely

Clarity and angle of photos (crucial for bodywork assessment).
Reported mechanical faults and whether the car is drivable.
Vehicle history indicators like accident repairs or previous write-offs.

Pro tip: upload clear photos and full disclosure the first time. Accurate initial submissions cut average quote time and reduces the chance of a revised offer at inspection.

If your car is not running, read specific guidance on selling a non-running vehicle at the Sell Non-Running Car page to understand how photos and location details change logistics and towing arrangements.

Step 3 - Expect a two-stage valuation

Many buyers provide an initial online estimate and a final validated quote after a short inspection (remote or in-person). When following the steps-to-get-a-quote-for-a-damaged-car, plan for this validation and be prepared to share documentation such as the title, service records and proof of identity.

Legal & paperwork in South Africa

Understanding registration, deregistration and vehicles under finance is important. If the vehicle is financed, the lender usually must be settled or provide written consent for transfer. Buyers that assist with paperwork can help deregister the vehicle on completion, which simplifies the sale. For a full outline of compliant handling and how paperwork is managed, see our Sell Damaged Cars details.

Common paperwork items

Vehicle registration certificate or logbook (if available).
ID or company documents when selling a fleet vehicle.
Settlement letter from the financer if the vehicle is under finance.

Damage types and how they typically affect offers

Damage type	Typical impact on offer
Minor dents and scratches	Small reduction; easily repaired items have limited impact
Structural/frame damage	Major reduction; affects roadworthiness and resale options
Flood/water damage	Often substantial reduction due to electrical and corrosion risks
Fire damage	Severe reduction; many buyers limit salvage options

These impacts are typical but not universal. Each quote reflects the vehicle's specific condition and market demand in South Africa.

Tips to maximise your quote

Be thorough and honest in your initial submission to avoid surprise downgrades later.
Provide clear photos in good light, and include VIN/engine numbers where possible.
If you have recent service receipts, include them; documented maintenance can improve confidence in the vehicle's remaining life.
If you’re local to Johannesburg, Cape Town or Durban, note the pickup location precisely - urban vs remote collections can influence logistics and timing.

What happens after collection

After you accept a validated quote and the vehicle is collected (often via free towing for reputable buyers), paperwork is completed and payment is processed. If the buyer offers assistance with deregistration or settlement of a finance account, ensure you receive documented confirmation of those steps. For an overview of the overall service process, you can review the homepage summary at the Sell Your Damaged Car homepage.

Final checklist when following the steps-to-get-a-quote-for-a-damaged-car

Photos from multiple angles and damage close-ups.
Honest description of drivability and mechanical faults.
Copies or details of registration, ID and any finance information.
Clear location for collection (city, suburb, or remote area).

Steps to Get a Quote for a Damaged Car - A Practical South Africa Guide

Prepare Photos & Details

Understand Paperwork

Expect Validation

Overview

Step 1 - Prepare clear vehicle details and photos

Step 2 - Provide an honest damage description

When to sell versus repair

How the quote process typically works

What buyers check remotely

Step 3 - Expect a two-stage valuation

Legal & paperwork in South Africa

Common paperwork items

Damage types and how they typically affect offers

Tips to maximise your quote

What happens after collection

Final checklist when following the steps-to-get-a-quote-for-a-damaged-car

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does the online valuation process work?

How does the online valuation process work?

What documents do I need and will you handle deregistration?

What documents do I need and will you handle deregistration?

Do you buy non-running, accident-written-off or salvage vehicles?

Do you buy non-running, accident-written-off or salvage vehicles?

Do you provide free towing and where do you collect vehicles?

Do you provide free towing and where do you collect vehicles?

How quickly will I receive payment and can you handle fleet sales?

How quickly will I receive payment and can you handle fleet sales?

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