How to Know If a Car Bonnet Has Been in an Accident?

When you plan to buy a used car, one of the most important things to check is whether the car has been in an accident before. The bonnet (hood) of the car is usually the first part that gets damaged during a front collision. Knowing how to check the car bonnet accident signs can save you from buying a damaged vehicle. Many times, sellers repaint or repair the bonnet to hide the signs of an accident, but with the right inspection tips, you can easily find the difference.

In this blog, we’ll discuss simple and effective ways to identify signs of accidental car bonnet damage, how to perform a proper car bonnet damage check, and why professional inspection from CarVaidya car inspection experts can help you make a safe purchase decision.

The easiest way to know if the car bonnet has been repaired after an accident is by looking at the paint. Factory paint is usually smooth, consistent, and perfectly blended with the rest of the car. If you notice any difference in color shade, texture, or gloss, it could be a repaint job. You can also look at the bonnet from different angles in sunlight — this helps to catch uneven paintwork or patches. Freshly painted areas may also show signs of overspray on rubber seals or nearby panels, indicating a repair after an accident.

Another common car bonnet damage check is to inspect the panel alignment. A factory-fitted bonnet always sits perfectly aligned with the fenders, headlights, and front bumper. But after an accident, if the bonnet has been replaced or reinstalled, it may not fit perfectly. Look closely at the gaps between the bonnet and fenders — if one side is wider than the other, that’s a clear sign of previous damage. Also, when you close the bonnet, it should sit flush and even on both sides. If it looks slightly raised or crooked, that’s one of the bonnet replacement signs you should not ignore.

Open the bonnet and check the hinges, latches, and bolts carefully. Original factory bolts are usually painted along with the car, so if you see scratched paint, rust marks, or tool marks, it’s a clear indication that the bonnet has been removed or replaced. The hinges should also move smoothly without making any noise. In a repaired car, the hinges might feel stiff or produce squeaky sounds. This is another way to identify how to know if a car is accidental by checking the under-hood fittings.

A lot of buyers only focus on the bonnet surface, but the real story often hides underneath it. When performing a car accident inspection, open the bonnet and look for any weld marks, bends, or sealant cracks near the radiator support or front cross member. These parts should be clean and smooth in a non-accidental car. If you find uneven welding or newly applied sealant, it’s a strong sign that the area has been repaired after a crash.

Also, check for rust spots or new paint under the bonnet, which often appear when the damaged metal has been repainted or replaced.

Front-end collisions often affect more than just the bonnet. Look at the headlight alignment and bumper fitting closely. If they seem new while the rest of the car looks slightly older, it’s a possible clue that they were replaced after an accident.

A small gap or misalignment between the headlights and bonnet can also suggest that the car has front-end damage. This is one of the easiest visual clues during a car body damage inspection.

A genuine factory-fitted bonnet closes with a firm and smooth sound. But if the bonnet has been replaced or poorly repaired, it might make a hollow or clunky noise when you shut it. Also, if you need extra pressure to close it, that’s another red flag. Always test how the bonnet behaves when opening and closing it during your car inspection before buying.

If you suspect the bonnet has been repainted or filled with body filler, use a small magnet to check. A magnet doesn’t stick properly to filler material. You can also use a paint thickness gauge to measure the paint depth — a higher thickness in one area indicates that body filler was used after an accident repair.

This simple trick is one of the best ways to check used car accident check results manually.

While visual checks are useful, sometimes accident repairs are done so neatly that it’s hard for a normal person to detect. That’s why it’s always smart to get a professional car inspection before finalizing a used car.

Services like CarVaidya car inspection use advanced diagnostic tools and trained experts to detect even the smallest signs of structural or bonnet damage. They check every part — from paint thickness and frame alignment to electronic and mechanical components — ensuring you get a complete report about the car’s real condition.

Knowing how to check car bonnet accident signs can protect you from buying a damaged or unsafe vehicle. Always take your time to inspect the paint, alignment, hinges, and under-bonnet area. Don’t fall for cosmetic repairs or seller claims.

And if you want complete peace of mind, get your car body damage inspection done by professionals like CarVaidya, who can detect hidden repairs that even experienced buyers might miss.

A few minutes of inspection today can save you from major repair expenses tomorrow. So next time, before buying a used car, remember these car accident inspection tips and make a smart, safe decision.