Ask an Agent
Have a question? We're here to help.
Ask an agent for free
Question

Can I still get insurance if I just found out that my car has structural damage?

In March 2019, I was rear-ended by a person who fell asleep with their foot on the accelerator which caused $14,000 in damages to my car. The damage was fixed, but I just learned from Carfax that there are structural damages and that the car may be unsafe to drive. Is this vehicle safe? If I sell it, will someone be able to insure it? What other negatives are there to this structural damage? Thank you.

Apr 20, 2023 Bangor, ME

Answer
Author profile picture
Ross Martin
Insurance Writer

Ross joined The Zebra as a writer and researcher in 2019. He specialized in writing insurance content to help shoppers make informed decisions.

Ross h…

Credentials
  • 5+ years in the Insurance Industry

Sorry to hear about your accident and the resulting damages. This is a tricky situation. If the car was fixed and deemed safe by your car insurance company, I'm not exactly sure how Carfax is finding it to be considered otherwise. My advice would be to contact your insurance company.

If the car does have structural damage that would cause it to be unsafe, they should have declared it a total loss and paid you out accordingly. If Carfax has mistakenly added this to their records, then your insurance company could possibly contact them to have the error fixed. 

Cars with previous damage can sometimes be insured, though they are usually limited to just liability insurance. I would hold off on selling the vehicle until you find out exactly what is going on with the insurance company. 

Good luck and don't hesitate to reach out with any further questions. 

Ask an Agent
Have a question? We're here to help.
Ask an agent for free

Insurance is complicated, but it doesn't have to be.

The Zebra searches all of the top insurance companies, in one place, so you can compare the cost and coverage you need to protect your car, home and other property.

Step 1: Tell us a little about yourself

Choose an insurance product and enter your zip code to get started.

Step 2: Sip your coffee while we find the best quotes

Enter the necessary information and then sit back while we find quotes from 100 top insurance carriers.

Step 3: Compare your quotes

Compare quotes side-by-side to find the right match for you, whether it's home, auto, or more.

Step 4: Let our agents do the hard work for you

Once you pick your policy, our agents are here to get you over the finish line. Then just relax and enjoy your savings.

Compare insurance rates today!

Pin
Shield checkmark No junk mail. No spam calls. Free quotes.

Related Questions

Other people are also asking...

Will I get dropped by my insurance company for two totaled cars?

I'm sorry to hear about your recent accidents. GEICO does reserve the right to non-renew your policy based on the number of claims you had. This is normal for insurance companies. The answer isn't always simple, and in my experience, I've seen the outcome go both ways.Making claims can be complicat…
Oct 2, 2025 Dillon, CO

What happens if you total a rental car?

The answer depends on your insurance coverage. If you do not have insurance you will likely be responsible for the cost of the vehicle. If you do have comprehensive or collision coverage, check with your insurance company. The company may cover the damages.An insurance company may extend your colli…
Aug 8, 2025 Tampa, FL

Can I insure a car with a rebuilt title?

Thanks for reaching out to The Zebra! Rebuilt, or salvage-titled vehicles, can be a little more tricky to deal with but you can still insure them.To get insurance on a vehicle with a rebuilt title, you need to find the proper insurer since not every company will offer coverage. It’s important to no…
Aug 8, 2025 Garfield, OH

What happens if my quote for repairs is higher than value of car?

There are several things to think about here. One, it sounds like your vehicle is totaled. The definition of a totaled vehicle varies by state. California is what is called a total loss formula state. This means a vehicle is determined to be a total loss if the cost of repairs (your $7,000) plus th…
Jan 4, 2024 Vallejo, CA