What action should be taken if damage is found that existed before an accident?

When damage is found that existed prior to an accident, it is critical to make a note of this and not include that damage in the repair estimate for the current incident. This ensures that the assessment is accurate and reflects only the damages incurred from the most recent accident.

Documenting the pre-existing damage is important for transparency and to avoid any misunderstandings with the claimant or an insurance provider. This practice helps to differentiate between what was already present and the new damage caused by the accident, which is essential for fair appraisal and settlement processes.

Including the pre-existing damage in the repair estimate or ignoring it would misrepresent the actual state of the vehicle, potentially leading to disputes over costs and liability issues. Therefore, recognizing and clearly documenting damages that were present before the accident is a best practice in damage appraisals.