Clipped Car: What It Is and How To Avoid

Have you heard of the term "clipped car" before? A clipped car is a vehicle that has been in a serious accident and has had its frame or unibody cut in half and replaced with another frame, usually coming from another damaged vehicle. This process is often done illegally, without the proper knowledge or regulations. Clipped cars are also known as "cut and shuts", "married cars", "clipjobs" or "full body sectioned", because two vehicles have been welded together to create one.

Even a roadworthy vehicle with a rebuilt title may be a clipjob because, even though all repaired salvages undergo a mandatory inspection, in some states the inspection is performed only to verify the VIN and make sure no stolen parts are used and all the supporting docs are present, while the welding may remain unnoticed. Unfortunately, even insurance companies practice car clipping in order to fix badly damaged vehicles the cheapest way and/or avoid a total loss settlement.

More than that, some insurance companies may order clip jobs on damaged cars in a confidential manner between them and the bodyshop. Some may "honestly" offer this way of repairing to the customer as a "safe" procedure without mentioning any downsides. And, which is even worse, vehicle may retain a clean title and later on be sold as a normal vehicle! In this case, a damage / accident record can only be seen in the vehicle history via VIN check. Jusk keep in mind that a clip job is not a safe way of fixing a vehicle and rebuilt titles fixed in this manner are not safe, despite the roadworthy status.

Also, while it may sound like a good way to save money on a car purchase, buying a clipped car can be extremely dangerous.

Risks Associated with Clipped Cars

The biggest risk associated with clipped cars is their structural integrity. In most simle terms, the 2 halves may come apart on a hump and each will be rolling on its own way with the driver somewhre in between... And even it the junction is strong enough, in a car that has been in a serious accident the frame is weakened and compromised, and with a unibody the situation is even worse. If a clipped car is not repaired correctly, which is not easy, it can cause problems with the vehicle's handling and stability resulting in serious accidents, injuries, and even death. More than that, the function of such a significant safety feature as crumple zones of a unibody will be permanently impaired.

Another risk is that clipped cars often have hidden damage that is not visible to the naked eye. The poor or inaccurate welding may cuase problems with the electrical system, brakes, suspension, and other critical components, even cause corrosion and untimely wear. These issues may not become apparent until you're driving the car, which can put you and your passengers in danger. The vehicle may be pulling to one side and display all other signs of a frame damage .

Finally, buying a clipped car can also lead to legal and financial problems. If you unknowingly purchase a clipped car, you may have trouble reselling or insuring it , or passing an inspection for the following reasons:

• The frame halves may belong to stolen vehicles or ones used in commiting a crime
• Car clipping may be illegal in some states, so, as the owner, your will have to prove that you were unaware of the clip-job
• A clipped vehicle may still have a clean title if the insurer decided not to total it, as you read above. However, frame / unibody damage is a major damage that requires disclosure from the seller by the law.

How to Avoid Clipped Cars

The best way to avoid buying a clipped car is to do your research before making a purchase. Here are some tips to help you avoid the risks associated with clipped cars:

• Check the Vehicle History Report and watch out for any major accidents and frame or unibody damage

• Look for Signs of Damage. Check the paint for any inconsistencies or mismatched colors, and look for signs of rust or corrosion. You should also check the car's alignment and suspension to make sure it's in good working order.

• Have the Car Inspected by a Professional. Professionals have untrasound equipment that allows checking the integrity of the frame and findling junction and welding spots even in places invisible to the eye, or any other issues with the frame. They also use use laser tools and computerized analysis to determine whether the vehicle's frame is straight and aligned properly. These systems can detect any misalignment that may not be visible to the naked eye or even during a test drive.

• Purchase from a Reputable Dealer who provides a warranty.