How to Decode Auction Damage Codes

AO: All Over

AO refers to damage showing up in various parts of the vehicle.

Damage might impact a number of the exterior panels or other parts of the vehicle. For this reason, it is necessary to look over the entire listing rather than concentrating on one damaged area.

BC: Biohazardous/Chemical

BC identifies a vehicle associated with biohazardous or chemical contamination.

Since these vehicles may need specialized cleaning, handling, or remediation, buyers ought to check up on their condition before thinking about carrying out any repairs.

BE: Burn – Engine

BE refers to fire damage that has been reported in the engine section.

You should carefully check the wiring, hoses, electronics, and other nearby systems since heat may affect the surrounding components.

BI: Burn – Interior

BI indicates fire damage to the vehicle’s interior.

The seats, the trim, the carpeting, the wiring, the controls and all the other parts of the cabin might need to be inspected or replaced.

BN: Burn

BN means the vehicle has general fire-related damage.

The listing, unlike the more specific burn codes, does not pinpoint the damage to a particular area.

CC: Cash for Clunkers

CC identifies a vehicle categorized under the Cash for Clunkers designation.

Hence, anyone who is buying should check the item’s documentation, the status of its title, and any relevant restrictions before placing a bid.

DH: Damage History

DH indicates that the vehicle has reported damage history.

The code by itself doesn’t account for all the earlier repairs, so it is especially important to look at the available vehicle history information.

FD: Frame Damage Reported

FD means someone has reported frame damage.

Because the structure’s condition can affect the repairs needed, buyers should have a professional structural inspection.

FR: Front End

FR identifies reported damage to the front section.

Commonly affected parts include the bumper, hood, grille, lights, cooling components, or surrounding structures.

HL: Hail

HL refers to hail damage as reported.

Hail generally causes dents on any exposed panels, so take a careful look at the hood, roof, trunk, and body panels.

MC: Mechanical

MC identifies a reported mechanical issue.

It doesn’t specify a particular component, so the engine, transmission, drivetrain, or the related mechanical systems may still need to be evaluated.

MN: Minor Dents/Scratches

MN stands for minor dents or scratches.

In most cases, the vehicles have only light cosmetic damage, but you should still review the photographs and condition details before bidding.

NW: Normal Wear

NW means the vehicle displays normal wear associated with regular use.

Even if no serious damage is reported, buyers ought to assess the vehicle’s general condition.

PR: Partial/Incomplete Repair

PR indicates that repairs were started but remain incomplete.

Consequently, extra components, labor, diagnostics, or remedial work might be required.

RJ: Rejected Repair

RJ identifies a vehicle with a reported rejected repair.

So be sure to look into past research and decide which adjustments might still be necessary.

RO: Rollover

RO means the vehicle was reportedly involved in a rollover.

Care must be taken to carefully examine the roof, the pillars, the body panels, the glass, and the structure since rollover damage may affect several areas.

RR: Rear End

RR notes that there is damage in the rear section.

The components involved could be the bumper, the trunk, the liftgate, the lights, the body panels or the surrounding structural areas.

SD: Side

SD means reported damage appears along one or more sides.

The doors, the quarter panels, the fenders, the windows, the rocker panels, or other components might be impacted.

ST: Stripped

ST indicates that parts have been removed from the vehicle.

The components that are missing may be wheels, doors, mirrors, body panels, or other parts that can be removed.

TP: Top/Roof

TP notes any damage concerning the roof or the upper part.

So check the roof panel, the pillars, the glass, the seals, and the other structural components surrounding it.

UK: Unknown

UK means the reported damage type is unknown.

As a result, purchasers should place great trust in photographs, inspections, history reports, and all other information provided in the listing.

UN: Undercarriage

UN has identified the damage reported under the vehicle.

The areas that may be affected could be the suspension, the exhaust, the floor structure, the drivetrain components, or other systems under the vehicle.

VI: Missing/Altered VIN

VI means the vehicle identification number is reported as missing or altered.

Since vehicle identification number problems can have an effect on documentation, buyers should carefully check all the available records of ownership and identification.

VN: Vandalism

VN identifies reported vandalism damage.

The extent of the damage can differ greatly, so it is necessary to check the windows, the locks, the body panels, the interior components, the wiring, and any missing parts.

VP: Replaced VIN

VP indicates that the vehicle has a replaced VIN designation.

Therefore, it is necessary to look over the available documentation and check the relevant registration requirements before buying.

WA: Water/Flood

WA means the vehicle has reported water or flood damage.

Water exposure may have an effect on electronics, wiring, upholstery, modules, mechanical systems, and interior materials, and furthermore damage can stay hidden after the visible water has gone.