Do scratches affect my car’s value?

Car accidents can have a lasting impact, even up to the point of selling your vehicle.

While minor bumps and scratches usually won’t affect your car’s value too significantly, bumps, dents, and chips can impact your car’s value based on estimated repair costs.

For the most part, though, dealers don’t expect used cars to be perfect, so a few scratches are acceptable without any major issues when it comes to selling.

Is it worth getting the scratches on my car removed before selling?

It’s worth getting any noticeable scratches removed prior to selling.

Appearance matters when you sell your car.

Prospective buyers of used cars typically inspect the bodywork, including alloys and windscreen, for any damage.

Impact on value according to insurance category bands

Insurance category bands can help determine the impact of an accident on your car’s value.

When you report an incident to your insurance company, they assess the damage and categorise it using a letter that describes the type of damage and the car’s future.

Here are the categories that describe the level of damage a car has sustained:

• Category A: Car is irredeemable and suitable only for scrap.
• Category B: Car is irredeemable as a vehicle but can be broken down for parts and resold.
• Category S: Car has structural damage that requires professional repair before it can be driven again. (previously known as Category C)
• Category N: Damage is non-structural but may still render the car unsafe to drive. (previously known as Category D)

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