When buying a used car, looks can be deceiving. A vehicle may appear clean and polished, but underneath could be a history of accidents, poor repairs, or structural damage. Knowing how to spot the signs a used car has been in an accident can save you from dangerous or costly mistakes.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the key visual, structural, and mechanical signs that a car may have been in a crash—plus how tools like Total Car Check can help you verify a vehicle’s accident history.
1. Uneven Panel Gaps
Look closely at the spacing between the doors, bonnet (hood), boot (trunk), and bumpers. If the gaps are inconsistent or tight on one side and wide on the other, it may indicate prior bodywork or frame damage.
2. Mismatched Paint or Overspray
Check for differences in paint texture, shade, or gloss across panels. Fresh paint or overspray (paint on seals, trim, or under the bonnet) may suggest a respray after accident repair.
Tip: View the car in daylight from multiple angles—it’s easier to spot colour inconsistencies and patchy repairs.
3. Signs of Welding or Non-Factory Fasteners
Under the bonnet or in the boot, check for weld marks, new bolts, or non-matching screws. These may indicate panel replacements or chassis repair work after a collision.
4. Headlight or Taillight Replacements
Do the headlights or taillights match in style, clarity, or branding? A new light next to an old one is a subtle clue that the car suffered front or rear-end damage.
5. Paint on Rubber Seals or Plastic Trim
Accidental paint overspray on seals, mouldings, or inner edges is a sign the car was repainted—likely due to damage. Factory paint jobs are precise and never leave stray marks.
6. Frame and Suspension Alignment
If the car pulls to one side during a test drive or the steering wheel isn’t centered when driving straight, it may indicate poor realignment after a crash.
7. Uneven Tyre Wear
Tyres should wear evenly across the tread. If one tyre is more worn than others—especially diagonally across corners—it could mean the suspension or alignment is off due to prior impact damage.
8. Airbag Warning Lights or Missing Airbags
Check that the airbag light illuminates and then turns off after starting the car. If it stays on—or doesn’t appear at all—it may indicate a deployed airbag that was never properly replaced.
🚨 Be cautious: Repaired accident cars sometimes have removed or fake airbags to avoid costly replacements.
9. Flaking Clear Coat or Cracked Paint
Minor body damage repairs done on a budget may skip professional finishing. Look for signs of bubbling paint, cracks, or peeling clear coat—especially around the corners and edges of panels.
10. Check the Vehicle’s Accident History Online
Even the most careful visual inspection won’t catch everything. That’s why we recommend running a full check with TotalCarCheck. You’ll get:
- Accident write-off status (Category S/N)
- Insurance total loss alerts
- MOT history and mileage anomalies
- Stolen vehicle alerts and outstanding finance
Bonus Tip: Ask the Seller Directly
Sometimes the simplest way is the best. Ask, “Has this car ever been in an accident?” Watch their reaction and follow up with, “Are you comfortable putting that in writing?”
If they hesitate or change the subject, consider it a red flag.
For other car buying tips check out our other blog articles:
- What to check when buying a used car
- Write-off checks why they are so important
- Salvage check: Why it’s so important for car buyers
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to spot signs of previous accident damage gives you the upper hand when buying a used car. Combine your visual inspection with a comprehensive history check using TotalCarCheck.co.uk for maximum protection and peace of mind.
🚗 Buying soon? Use TotalCarCheck’s Free Vehicle Check to get started today.