When you’re in a car accident, hearing the words “frame damage” can feel like the final blow. Many drivers in Brownstown, Taylor, Southgate, and nearby areas assume that frame damage automatically means their car is a total loss. But is that really true? Not always.
At The Collision Shop of Brownstown, we see frame damage cases every day—and we’re here to clear up the confusion. Let’s break down what frame damage actually is, when it does mean a total loss, and when your vehicle can be safely and fully repaired.
What Is Frame Damage?
Your vehicle’s frame (also called the chassis) is its structural skeleton. It supports the engine, suspension, and body. When the frame is bent, twisted, or cracked due to a collision, it’s classified as “frame damage.”
There are two main types of vehicle frames:
- Unibody Frames – Common in cars and crossovers. The body and frame are one single unit.
- Body-on-Frame – Used in most trucks and some SUVs. The body is mounted onto a separate steel frame.
Damage to either type can affect the alignment, suspension, and safety of the vehicle.
Myth #1: All Frame Damage = Total Loss
Fact: A vehicle isn’t declared a total loss just because the frame is damaged. Insurance companies consider the cost of repairs vs. the vehicle’s current market value.
In Brownstown and surrounding cities like Trenton and Woodhaven, if a car is worth $10,000 and frame repairs cost $7,000, your insurance might consider it repairable. However, if repairs cost close to or more than the car’s value, it could be totaled.
Key takeaway: The extent of the damage and the value of your vehicle determine whether it’s a total loss—not the frame damage alone.
Myth #2: Frame Damage Can’t Be Safely Repaired
Fact: Modern repair technology allows for precise frame straightening using computerized measurement systems. At The Collision Shop of Brownstown, our technicians use specialized equipment to bring your frame back to factory specs, ensuring your vehicle is safe and drives properly again.
We’ve successfully repaired frames on:
- Ford F-150s with rear-end damage
- Jeep Wranglers with side impact bends
- Honda Civics after front-end crashes
If you’re in Taylor or Southgate and need expert advice, we’re just down the road.
Myth #3: You’ll Never Sell a Car with Prior Frame Damage
Fact: Yes, frame damage can appear on your vehicle’s history report—but properly repaired vehicles can still retain good resale value. What really matters is quality of repair and transparency with potential buyers.
Many people in Gibraltar and Flat Rock continue to drive vehicles with previous frame work, especially if it was handled by professionals using OEM parts and certified equipment.
When Is Frame Damage Actually a Total Loss?
Your car may be totaled if:
- The frame is completely twisted or cracked beyond repair.
- The repair cost exceeds 70–75% of the car’s market value.
- There are multiple types of damage (frame + engine + airbags).
Insurance companies in Michigan also consider salvage titles and whether it’s economical to fix the car.
How The Collision Shop of Brownstown Handles Frame Repairs
When you bring your vehicle to us, here’s what we do:
- Thorough Inspection – We assess the frame, suspension, and alignment.
- Digital Measurement – Computerized tools check for accuracy down to millimeters.
- Professional Straightening – Using industry-grade hydraulic equipment.
- Refinishing and Reassembly – Including factory-matched paint.
We’ll also help communicate with your insurance, so the process is smooth from start to finish.
Areas We Serve
We proudly repair vehicles with frame damage for drivers in:
- Brownstown
- Southgate
- Woodhaven
- Trenton
- Taylor
- Gibraltar
- Flat Rock
- Romulus
No matter where you’re coming from in the Downriver area, we’re close by and ready to help.
Contact Information
The Collision Shop of Brownstown
📍 19810 Allen Road, Brownstown, MI 48183
📞 (734) 479-6611
🌐 www.thecollisionshopbrownstown.com
Think your vehicle might have frame damage? Don’t assume it’s a total loss—let our expert team take a look first. We’ll give you a full inspection, honest advice, and work with your insurance to get things back on track.
Call us today at (734) 479-6611 or stop by our Brownstown location. Get back on the road with confidence!
