Body or accident damage
Describe the affected area and any work already carried out. Say whether loose or removed parts are with the vehicle.
Describe the damage you can identify.
Explain which parts of the vehicle are damaged and whether it starts, rolls and steers. Include removed components, broken glass or doors that will not open. Use the repair shop’s findings where available and leave an unknown diagnosis as unknown.
Mechanical damage
Include the known fault, symptoms and any dismantling by a repair shop. For engine failure, use our blown-engine decision guide.
If an insurer or repair shop is involved, clarify who can release the car.
Check the status of any insurance claim and whether ownership has already transferred. Ask the shop about release authorization, collection access and charges to settle. Share those arrangements before scheduling transport.
If you are unsure who has the right to sell the vehicle, resolve that question with the owner, insurer or relevant authority first.
Compare the repair route with an as-is sale.
Use an itemized repair estimate that identifies included work and possible additional costs. Consider the time the repair may take and whether there are other problems you would still need to address.
For a sale, review the actual offer and its inspection and collection terms. A repair estimate and a sale offer answer different questions; keep both in front of you when deciding.
- Before an enquiryGather vehicle details, known damage and the car’s location.
- Before acceptingReview the amount, inspection conditions and free collection arrangements.
- Before pickupResolve release arrangements and ownership paperwork.