The sound of impact, the stress, filling out the accident report... When the dust settles after an accident, the owner faces the main financial question: what to do now? In Portugal, where repair prices are rising, the decision to repair or sell a damaged car requires a cold calculation.
Many turn to workshops out of inertia, without suspecting that repair can be an economic trap. Let’s analyze when it is worth fighting for the car and when it is better to use AUTO.MOTO.pt to turn the problem into cash.
Repair Mathematics: The "70% Rule"
Experts use a simple rule: if the repair estimate exceeds 70% of the market value, restoration is unviable. Why?
- Hidden defects: Extra damage often appears during disassembly.
- Devaluation: When you sell the car in the future, it will have the "crashed" stigma and be worth less.
- Bureaucratic Hell (Inspeção B): The risk of the car not passing the special inspection (Inspeção B) is real and expensive.
If not repair, then what?
Many make the mistake of handing the car over to a scrapyard for pennies. Don't rush. In Portugal, the salvage market is huge. Your car might be sought after as a parts "donor." On AUTO.MOTO.pt, specialized mechanics and dealers are willing to pay much more for an accident vehicle than traditional scrap dealers.
How to prepare to sell a damaged car?
To get a fair price on our platform, act smartly:
- Don't hide defects: Honesty adds value to the ad on AUTO.MOTO.pt. Take detailed photos.
- Documents: Have the Single Vehicle Document (Documento Único Automóvel - DUA) ready. Transfer of ownership is mandatory.
- Valuation: Compare market prices and subtract the cost of repairs to define the starting value.
Where to find a buyer?
You don't need to drive around workshops. The modern market works online. AUTO.MOTO.pt allows you to show your car to thousands of interested people across the country — from Lisbon to Porto.
Don't let an accident become a financial money pit. If repair doesn't pay off, turn the car into capital.
Post your ad today, assess the demand, and start selling your car without unnecessary intermediaries at AUTO.MOTO.pt.