Can You Fix Frame Damage on a Car? Understanding Structural Repairs

Are you wondering if frame damage on your car is repairable after a collision? It’s a common concern for car owners, and the good news is, in many cases, you can fix frame damage on a car. This article, drawing on expert insights and industry resources, will delve into the complexities of frame damage repair, helping you understand what’s involved and what to consider when facing this issue.

Understanding Frame Damage and Its Repairability

Vehicle frames are engineered to be robust, but collisions can exert significant force, leading to structural damage. According to experts like Collision Advice CEO Mike Anderson and Database Enhancement Gateway (DEG) Administrator Danny Gredinberg, repairing damaged vehicle bodies is indeed possible if the repair work is performed correctly. Modern vehicles are designed with structures that absorb and redirect collision energy. Restoring these structures to their original pre-accident condition is crucial for vehicle safety and performance.

Gredinberg emphasizes the importance of choosing a repair shop equipped for structural repairs. “Because structural damage is a very common occurrence it can be corrected,” he stated. “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.” This highlights that specialized equipment, skilled technicians, and adherence to manufacturer guidelines are essential for proper frame repair.

Factors Determining Frame Damage Repair

The repairability of frame damage isn’t always straightforward. A Kelley Blue Book (KBB) article provides valuable context, explaining that while frame damage can often be repaired, the severity of the damage is a key factor. Insurance companies often play a significant role in this determination. KBB notes, “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.” This economic consideration is a primary driver in whether a vehicle is deemed repairable or a total loss.

It’s wise to seek a second opinion regarding frame damage repair. KBB recommends looking beyond your insurer’s assessment and consulting a collision repair shop for a thorough inspection. Disassembly during inspection can reveal the full extent of the damage. Another option, if your insurance policy allows, is to invoke an appraisal clause to obtain an independent evaluation of repairability and total loss from a third-party appraiser, separate from your insurance company.

However, KBB also cautions that not all repair shops possess the necessary expertise and equipment for frame repair. “Not every body shop is equipped or knowledgeable enough to return a frame to its pre-accident integrity,” they wrote. “Getting the work done right requires training, experience, and the proper equipment. Moreover, many frame-damage events are too severe to restore a fully functional, safe structure. If so, the insurance company will declare the vehicle a total loss.” In cases of severe damage, attempting to repair and retain a totaled vehicle with a salvage title is strongly discouraged due to safety concerns and resale limitations.

Total Loss vs. Repair Potential

The term “total loss” often leads to the assumption that a vehicle is beyond repair and will be removed from the road. However, as discussed at a Collision Industry Conference (CIC) meeting, this isn’t always the case. Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA) Executive Director Sandy Blalock and Auto Claim Specialists Managing Director Robert McDorman clarified that while some totaled cars can be safely rebuilt, many are not.

McDorman’s analysis of 200 total loss claims revealed that a significant percentage of totaled vehicles are rebranded with “clean” titles, often masking unsafe repairs and posing risks to consumers. Blalock explained that total loss thresholds, which determine when a vehicle is totaled by law, vary by state. Furthermore, the total loss designation isn’t solely based on repair costs exceeding vehicle value. The “total loss formula,” common in the collision industry, also factors in the vehicle’s salvage value, considering a vehicle a total loss if the combined repair cost and salvage value exceed the vehicle’s pre-accident value.

Identifying Frame Damage

If you suspect frame damage, understanding your car’s frame type and recognizing the signs of damage is important. Modern cars predominantly use a unibody construction, where the frame and body are integrated into a single unit. This design incorporates crumple zones for safety, but greater crumpling can also mean more stress and potential bending or breaking of the frame. In contrast, older designs and some trucks and SUVs utilize a body-on-frame construction, where the body is bolted to a separate frame, offering more flexibility for towing and hauling.

Kelley Blue Book outlines several indicators of potential frame damage:

• Unusually worn tires: Uneven tire wear can be a sign of frame misalignment.
• Diagonal vehicle tracking: If your car appears to move sideways while driving straight, it may indicate a bent frame.
• Poorly fitting panels: Gaps or misalignment in body panels, doors, trunk, and hood can point to structural issues. Doors that stick or don’t close smoothly are also red flags.
• Steering pull: A persistent pull to one side, even after wheel alignment, can be caused by frame damage.
• New noises: Rattles or squeaks that appear after a collision can be symptoms of frame damage.

Ensuring Proper Frame Repair

The most critical takeaway is to ensure that any frame repairs are conducted by a qualified shop that adheres to OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) repair procedures. These procedures detail the precise steps for repair and parts replacement, based on the vehicle’s original engineering. Following OEM guidelines is paramount to restoring the structural integrity and safety of your vehicle after frame damage.

In conclusion, while frame damage can be a serious issue, it is often repairable. The key is to understand the extent of the damage, choose a qualified repair facility, and prioritize proper repair procedures to ensure your vehicle is safely and effectively restored to its pre-collision condition.