In the first 7 months of 2008, British and German made vehicles led the way in the highest severity for vehicle damage. The average German made car’s severity is $ 3927.41 and British made at $ 4314.09.  OEM part usage was also 83.12% and 92.81% respectively. In comparison, U.S. made vehicles had an average severity of $ 2739.41 and Japanese made at $2893.89. OEM usage on both U.S and Japanese made averaged around 66%.  The higher severity on the British and German made cars are due to the fact they are usually luxury type vehicles with a nearly non existent source of aftermarket parts. Many require the OEM parts to be shipped to the U.S. which increases costs considerably.

Source: AutoClaims Direct Inc.  DirectLink. 2008

In an effort to protect consumers and stop the practice of  ”title washing” by shady salvage car dealers, Liberty mutual released a statement yesterday that they will provide a Carfax report on every car declared a total loss and sold for salvage over the past five years and going forward.  This would be available then to any person purchasing the vehicle through the Carfax report. 

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