One of the most important aspects of buying clean or salvage title vehicles at auction is understanding the damage codes on each lot listing. Vehicles can have multiple damage codes, but the order in which they appear doesn’t mean that one is more prevalent than the other. Damage codes are indicated by the Copart yard that is auctioning the vehicle, and they are for reference only. We strongly recommend that you inspect the vehicle thoroughly (either by yourself or through a mechanic) and get a vehicle history report to understand what a vehicle has been through.
Copart expressly disclaims the accuracy of Damage Codes, as information may not completely or clearly reflect the type or extent of damage to any vehicle.
Here’s a breakdown of all damage codes we have listed and what they mean.
This means that the vehicle has been damaged in multiple spots, such as both front and rear, sides, and the roof.
If a vehicle’s damage code is “burn”, it means that most or all of the vehicle was damaged by fire rather than just the engine or interior. There are specific damage codes for other kinds of burn damage below.
The vehicle was involved in a collision or accident that damaged the front end of the vehicle, from the ‘a-post’ and forward. For example, the hood, bumper, fenders, and so on.
Vehicles marked with the damage code “mechanical” have damage that includes (but is not limited to) damage to the transmission or the engine. Please note that Run & Drive verified is indicated by the Copart yard and only reflects that the vehicle moved forward and backwards under its own power when it arrived at the yard.
The vehicle has visible damage to its underside – including (but not limited to) the frame, body, axles, and any fittings including the suspension, exhaust, and fuel tank.
Vandalism damage is often related to break-ins and is typically light in nature, such as theft related damage to door handles and locks, slashed upholstery, destroyed paint, compromised steering locks and ignition wiring, and so forth.
