Damage types at US auctions: Front End, Hail, Flood and others
Every auction car has a primary and sometimes a secondary damage type. It is only the start: the photos and the history show the real condition.
The most common types
- Front End – damage at the front, a frontal impact.
- Rear End – damage at the rear, an impact from behind.
- Side, Left Side, Right Side – damage on a side.
- All Over – damage all around the car.
- Hail – hail damage, often only cosmetic.
- Minor Dents/Scratches – small dents and scratches.
- Normal Wear – normal wear, no major damage stated.
- Mechanical – engine, electrical, gearbox or axle faults.
- Undercarriage – an impact from below, possible chassis damage.
- Vandalism, Theft – vandalism or theft; parts may be missing.
Which to avoid
- Water/Flood – a submerged car: electrical faults may show up later; a hybrid or electric car with "Flood" cannot be shipped.
- Burn – a burnt car.
- Biohazard – damage from chemicals or blood.
- Stripped – parts removed.
- Rollover – the car has rolled over; Frame Damage – frame damage reported.
- Missing/Altered VIN, Replaced VIN – the VIN is missing, altered or replaced: registering in Lithuania may run into problems.
How to judge
The damage type does not show the repair cost, and the auction itself stresses that the codes show only known or reported damage and their accuracy is not guaranteed. Look through all the photos, check whether the car is "Run and Drive" (see auction statuses) and order a Carfax. On our vehicle page every type is explained.