What are "hidden damages" in the context of an appraisal?

In the context of an appraisal, "hidden damages" refer to damages that are not immediately visible or apparent during an initial inspection of the vehicle. These types of damages may exist beneath the surface or within components that are not accessible without further investigation. For example, after a vehicle has been involved in an accident, there may be structural or mechanical issues that are not visible to the naked eye. These hidden damages could impact the vehicle's safety and performance, which makes their identification crucial in an accurate appraisal.

Understanding this concept is important for appraisers, as they must be diligent in their inspections to uncover any potential hidden issues that could later lead to expensive repairs or affect the vehicle's value. The identification of such damages is particularly pertinent in insurance assessments, where the true cost of damages needs to be determined to ensure fair compensation for the vehicle owner.