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7 Hidden Damages to Be on the Lookout for After a Car Accident

And how to handle them with your insurance

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By Bob Phillips
Updated August 8, 2025
Reviewed By Renata Balasco
Edited By Susan Meyer
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Bob Phillips

Personal Finance Writer

Bob Phillips is a personal finance writer whose expertise in insurance and investments has been developed through over fifteen years as an advisor/tr…

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Renata Balasco

Senior Content Strategist

Renata joined The Zebra in 2020 as a Customer Experience Agent. Since 2021, she has worked as licensed insurance professional and content strategist.…

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  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
  • 5 years of experience in the insurance industry
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Susan Meyer

Senior Editorial Manager

Susan is a licensed insurance agent and has worked as a writer and editor for over 10 years across a number of industries. She has worked at The Zebr…

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  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
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  1. 1. Frame Damage
  2. 2. Alignment and Suspension Issues
  3. 3. Electrical Problems
  4. 4. Trunk or Hood Alignment
  5. 5. Hidden Leaks
  6. 6. Internal Bumper Damage
  7. 7. Delayed Pain or Injury
  8. Insurance Concerns

You're Car Looks Fine — But Is It?

Not every car accident ends with mangled metal and airbags deployed. Some seem minor at first — a little fender bender, a bump at a stop sign — and it's easy to assume you walked away unscathed.

But long after the dust settles, hidden damages can emerge that turn that "small" accident into a costly problem. These issues might not be immediately visible, but they can affect your vehicle’s safety, value, and performance and — if you're not careful — they can also affect your finances 

Here are some common types of hidden damage to look for after an accident, why they matter and what to do if they pop up after you’ve already filed or closed a claim.

1. Frame Damage

Even a low-speed collision can cause misalignment or cracks in your car’s frame.

Most modern vehicles are built with unibody construction, meaning the frame is integrated into the body. Any damages to the vehicle's core skeleton is frame damage.[1]

If that structure gets bent or warped, it can throw off the alignment. This affect how your car handles, potentially causing the steering to pull in one direction and even make your car less safe in another accident.

What To Look Out For

You might not notice frame damage right away. Common signs:

  • The car pulling to one side
  • Uneven tire wear
  • Doors that don’t close properly

If you experience any of these, have the frame checked by a body shop that uses computerized measuring systems.

2. Alignment and Suspension Issues

A jolt from an accident can knock your car’s suspension out of whack, even if there’s no obvious body damage. Even minor collisions or running over a pot hole or road debris can sometimes jolt suspension components out of alignment..[2]

Misaligned wheels or bent suspension components might not show immediate symptoms but can lead to steering problems, premature tire wear and poor handling over time.

What To Look Out For

If you notice:

  • Uneven tire wear patterns
  • Vibrating steering wheel
  • Swaying more than usual, or feels “off” when turning or braking

You should have your car inspected. These issues can get worse fast and more expensive to repair if ignored.

3. Electrical Problems

Today’s vehicles rely heavily on electronics. A modern car contains an average of 80 sensors, 100 electronic units and a lot of wiring. These can represent a significant expense; electronics are expected to make up 50% of the cost of a vehicle by 2030.[3]

A seemingly minor accident can jostle all these wiring harnesses, sensors and connections. This could lead to problems with your airbags, backup cameras, anti-lock brakes or even the infotainment system. The trouble is, these issues might not surface until days or weeks later.

What To Look Out For

If you notice any of the following:

  • Dashboard lights flickering
  • Systems randomly fail or car has trouble starting
  • Unusual burning smell

Then you could be dealing with an electrical problem tied to the accident and should get a professional to diagnose. 

4. Trunk or Hood Alignment

It’s easy to overlook the trunk or hood after an accident, especially if the damage wasn’t visibly severe. However, if the trunk no longer closes flush, it can lead to bigger issues down the road. Water can seep in, causing rust or mold.

Meanwhile, a misaligned hood may not latch properly or could fly up while driving (a terrifying and dangerous scenario).

What To Look Out For

Always inspect these panels after an accident, even if they weren’t directly hit. Misalignment might signal deeper structural damage underneath.

5. Hidden Leaks

A cracked radiator or damaged seal may not leak fluid immediately. But over time, small leaks can cause overheating, engine failure or transmission issues.

It’s smart to have fluids and gaskets checked after a crash, particularly if the front end took any impact. Something as simple as a slow coolant leak can snowball into a blown head gasket if it’s not caught early.

What To Look Out For

Watch for signs like:

  • Puddles under the car
  • A rising temperature gauge
  • A sweet or burnt smell.

6. Internal Bumper Damage

Bumpers aren’t just decorative — they absorb impact to protect your car. The plastic or painted exterior might look fine after a minor accident, but inside the bumper is foam or metal designed to crush and absorb energy. If that structure is compromised, it won’t protect you in a future crash.

 

What To Look Out For

Internal bumper damage isn't visible from the outside. That's why it's important to always ask for a full bumper inspection, even if the damage looks minor from the outside.

7. Delayed Pain or Injury

The human body can experience "hidden" damage, too. After an accident, adrenaline can mask pain or discomfort. It's not uncommon for symptoms like neck stiffness, headaches or back pain to appear days later. These might be signs of whiplash, a concussion or spinal injuries.

What To Look Out For

If you're feeling anything out of the ordinary after an accident—even if it’s subtle—see a doctor. Not only is this important for your health, but it also helps document your injuries for insurance purposes.

What If You Discover Damage After Your Claim Is Closed?

It happens more often than you'd think. You settle the claim, cash the check and then your transmission starts acting funny. Or your trunk won’t latch. Now what?

Here are your options:

1. Check your policy for supplemental claim rights.

Some policies allow you to file a supplemental claim if additional damage is discovered after the initial inspection. There’s usually a time limit, often 30 to 60 days — so act fast.

2. Get a second inspection.

If you think something was missed, bring your vehicle to a trusted mechanic or body shop and ask for a thorough post-accident inspection. Get a written estimate and photos of the damage.

3. Contact your insurance adjuster.

Explain the situation and share the new findings. If you’re within the claim window, your insurer may reopen the claim or send another adjuster to evaluate.

4. Consider diminished value.

Even if your car is repaired, it may be worth less than before the accident. In some states, you can file a diminished value claim to recover that loss, especially if the accident wasn’t your fault.

5. Consult an attorney if necessary.

If the insurance company refuses to address legitimate post-claim damage or if you suspect negligence in the original inspection, you may need legal help.

 

Don’t Rush the Process

The biggest mistake people make after an accident is rushing to wrap up the claim and move on. That’s understandable — you want to put it behind you.

But be thorough. Get a full inspection, watch for new symptoms (both mechanical and physical), and take your time before signing off on any settlement.

Source

  1. What is frame damage? [Kelly Blue Book]

  2. Signs of misalignment [Springs Auto and Braking]

  3. Automotive Trends and Electronic-Component Innovation Drive the Future. [Electronic Design]