How to Understand Vehicle Damage Codes

Vehicle Damage Codes Explained

AO – All-over damage across multiple panels or areas of the vehicle.

BC – Biohazardous or chemical contamination – These vehicles often carry a "parts only" designation.

BE – Fire damage originating in the engine compartment.

BI – Fire damage inside the cabin or interior.

BN – General burn damage – May affect any area of the vehicle.

CC – Cash for Clunkers – A government program vehicle; typically older and high-mileage.

DH – Damage history on record – May indicate prior accidents or insurance claims.

FD – Frame damage reported – The vehicle's structural frame has been flagged as damaged or compromised.

FR – Front-end damage – The most common primary damage code. Includes bumper, hood, radiator, and structural components.

HL – Hail damage code (HL) – Multiple dents from a hailstorm, usually across the roof, hood, and trunk.

MC – Mechanical damage – Engine, transmission, or drivetrain issues unrelated to a collision.

MN – Minor dents and scratches. Surface-level cosmetic damage that does not affect structure.

NW – Normal wear – The vehicle shows age-related wear, with no significant damage.

PR – Partial or incomplete repair – A previous repair was started but not finished.

RJ – Rejected repair – A repair attempt was made, but it did not pass inspection or was refused.

RO – Rollover – The vehicle rolled over at least once. Expect damage to the roof, pillars, and glass.

RR – Rear-end damage – Involves the trunk, bumper, frame rails, and rear panels.

SD – Side damage – Affects doors, rocker panels, pillars, or quarter panels on one or both sides.

ST – Stripped – Parts have been removed: wheels, mirrors, doors, hood, or other components.

TP – Top/roof damage – Includes dents, tears, or structural damage to the roof.

UK – Unknown damage – The extent or type of damage has not been determined.

UN – Undercarriage damage – Affects the frame, suspension, or components underneath the vehicle.

VI – Missing or altered VIN – The vehicle identification number is missing, altered, or otherwise does not match official records.

VN – Vandalism – Intentional damage such as key scratches, broken glass, or slashed tires.

VP – Replaced VIN – The original VIN plate has been replaced, which may raise title or registration issues.

WA – Water or flood damage – The vehicle was submerged or exposed to significant water intrusion.

How Damage Codes Affect Vehicle Value

Not all damage is equal. Here is a simple three-tier breakdown for salvage car buyers:

1. Severe — 70–90% value loss

These codes signal the most costly or complex repairs. Many vehicles in this tier are best suited for parts, not road use.

• FD – Frame damage
• WA – Flood or water damage
• BC – Biohazardous/chemical
• RO – Rollover
• VI / VP – VIN issues (can affect titling in most states)

2. Moderate — 40–60% value loss

Repairable with the right shop, but expect significant parts and labor costs.

• FR – Front-end damage
• RR – Rear-end damage
• SD – Side damage
• BE / BI / BN – Burn damage (varies widely by extent)

3. Minor — 10–30% value loss

These vehicles often make great repair projects or daily drivers with minimal work.

• HL – Hail damage
• MN – Minor dents and scratches
• NW – Normal wear
• PR – Partial/incomplete repair (depends on what was left unfinished)

Note: In California, flood-damaged vehicles (WA) may require a salvage/revived salvage inspection before they can be registered. Always check your state DMV’s requirements before bidding on a flood car, as rules vary significantly across the US. Review your state-specific salvage title rules before placing a bid.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does FR mean on Copart?
FR stands for front-end damage. It is the most common primary damage code and covers everything from bumper scrapes to full structural front-end collapse. Always check the photos to understand the severity.

Is frame damage worse than flood damage?
Both are serious. Frame damage (FD) can make a vehicle structurally unsafe to repair, while flood damage (WA) often causes hidden electrical and mechanical problems that surface weeks or months later. Neither is a safe bet without a proper inspection.

What is the parts only damage code meaning, and can these cars be registered?
No. A “parts only” or non-repairable designation usually means the vehicle cannot be rebuilt, titled, or registered for road use. Always check the title document and your state DMV rules before you bid.

Does IAAI use the same damage codes as Copart?
Mostly yes. IAAI uses the same core damage codes but also adds a Vehicle Score (1–5) and may apply slightly different secondary codes depending on the vehicle's condition.

How do I find a car with only minor hail damage?
Use AutoBidMaster's search filters and look for HL listed as the primary or secondary damage code. Then review the photos closely, as hail damage ranges from light dimpling to severe roof deformation.

What does secondary damage mean on a salvage report?
Secondary damage is additional damage found alongside the primary issue. It can be cosmetic or structural. Always treat it as extra information, not a minor footnote. Some secondary codes, such as FD or WA, can be more costly than the primary damage listed.

Why does my search show "UK" as the damage code?
UK means the damage is unknown. This usually happens when a vehicle is recovered, repossessed, or donated without a full inspection. Approach UK listings with extra caution and, if possible, arrange a pre-bid inspection.

Next Steps: Bidding with Confidence

Now that you understand how salvage auction damage codes work, you're ready to make smarter bids. Before you place an offer, take a few extra steps:

• Learn the rules of salvage title inspection by state so you know what you can legally register in your state.
• Use AutoBidMaster's search tools to search for vehicles by damage code and narrow your results.
• Review our guide on how to thoroughly examine lots before bidding — photos, condition reports, and third-party inspections all help.

For a complete US salvage car auction buyer guide, read through how to bid on Copart and IAAI vehicles before placing your first offer.