CAA Vehicle Inspection and Documentation 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which character position in a 17-character VIN is the check digit used to detect VIN errors or tampering?
- 10th
- 9th (Correct answer)
- 17th
- 1st
Correct answer: 9th
The 9th position is the check digit calculated from the other 16 characters to validate the VIN.
Question 2: An appraiser finds that the VIN on the dashboard plate does not match the VIN on the driver's door jamb label. What is the most appropriate next step?
- Ignore it if the title matches one of them
- Document the discrepancy, photograph both, and verify with title and secondary VIN locations (Correct answer)
- Use the dashboard VIN and proceed
- Average the two model years
Correct answer: Document the discrepancy, photograph both, and verify with title and secondary VIN locations
VIN mismatches can indicate theft, cloning, or major parts replacement, so they must be documented and cross-verified.
Question 3: A paint thickness gauge reads about 4-6 mils on most panels but 15+ mils on the right quarter panel. What does this most likely indicate?
- Refinishing, possibly with body filler, on that panel (Correct answer)
- Rust-proofing undercoating
- Normal sun fading
- Factory clear coat variation
Correct answer: Refinishing, possibly with body filler, on that panel
Readings far above the factory range suggest the panel was repainted and may contain filler from a repair.
Question 4: Which title brand indicates a vehicle was declared a total loss but has since been repaired and passed a state inspection?
- Rebuilt/Reconstructed (Correct answer)
- Junk
- Salvage
- Clean
Correct answer: Rebuilt/Reconstructed
A rebuilt or reconstructed brand is issued after a salvage vehicle is repaired and passes state inspection.
Question 5: When photographing a vehicle for an appraisal report, which set of images is considered the standard minimum?
- Four corners, VIN, odometer, interior, and any damage or notable features (Correct answer)
- Front view and engine bay only
- Interior shots only
- Only the damaged area
Correct answer: Four corners, VIN, odometer, interior, and any damage or notable features
Complete photo documentation includes all four corners, VIN, odometer, interior, and specific condition items.
Question 6: Uneven gaps between the hood and fenders on one side of a vehicle most commonly suggest what?
- Prior front-end collision repair or panel replacement (Correct answer)
- Worn engine mounts
- Low tire pressure
- Normal manufacturing tolerance on all models
Correct answer: Prior front-end collision repair or panel replacement
Inconsistent panel gaps often result from panels being removed, replaced, or misaligned after a collision.
Question 7: Under federal odometer disclosure rules, the transferor of a vehicle must state the mileage and certify which of the following?
- The vehicle's fair market value
- Whether the mileage is actual, exceeds mechanical limits, or is not the actual mileage (Correct answer)
- That the vehicle has never been painted
- The date of the last oil change
Correct answer: Whether the mileage is actual, exceeds mechanical limits, or is not the actual mileage
Federal odometer disclosure requires certifying the reading as actual, exceeding mechanical limits, or not actual (a discrepancy).
CAA Vehicle Inspection and Documentation 2
Which character position in a 17-character VIN is the check digit used to detect VIN errors or tampering?