When Is Your Car Considered Totaled?

After your vehicle sustains damage one of the first questions you may ask is whether it is totaled. When repair costs surpass the vehicle’s pre-accident worth — its market value prior to the crash. Lenders and insurers apply this rule to determine if a vehicle is economically repairable.

The first step is grasping the methodology insurers use to assign value.

They look at factors like the make, model, year, mileage, condition, and bästa sättet att skrota en gammal bil local market prices for similar vehicles.

Use trusted valuation platforms such as NADA Guides, Autotrader, or CarGurus to gauge worth.

These sites give you a range based on private sale and trade-in values.

Don’t overlook the severity of the impact.

What appears minor on the outside could involve costly frame or chassis repairs.

Professionals examine the unibody, steering components, braking system, and safety modules.

If the frame is bent or there is damage to the engine or airbag system, repairs can quickly become expensive.

Most insurers apply a total loss formula based on a fixed percentage of the vehicle’s value.

Some states set the bar as low as 50%, while others allow up to 90% before declaring a total loss.

A $10K vehicle with $7,000+ in repairs typically crosses the total loss threshold.

Some states have specific laws that set this threshold, so it’s worth checking your local regulations.

Never accept their offer without verifying the numbers.

You have the right to submit counter-evidence to support a higher value.

Include maintenance logs, aftermarket additions, and recent detailing receipts.

You can also request a second opinion from an independent appraiser.

The insurer will issue a check for the net value after subtracting your out-of-pocket responsibility.

You may retain the wreck and get the salvage amount, though re-registering and insuring becomes complicated.

A total loss designation isn’t the end of the road.

It simply means the cost to fix it is not economically sensible.

Knowing your rights and options empowers you to navigate this difficult situation