How Does Your Insurer Decide if Your Car is a Total Loss After a Crash?

If you’ve ever known someone who was in a car accident, chances are you’ve heard them discuss whether or not their vehicle was “totaled.” Many people worry about their vehicle being totaled after a car accident because that means it’s beyond repair. Depending on the terms of your insurance policy, if your vehicle is totaled, you might receive compensation for your loss. Learn more about how an insurance company determines whether a vehicle is a total loss after a car accident and what you can do if your car is.

Will My Insurance Company Believe My Car Was Totaled?

First and foremost, it’s essential to understand that it’s your insurance company’s job to decide whether your vehicle is a total loss after an accident. Just because you believe your car is beyond repair doesn’t mean your insurance company will automatically agree. For an insurance company to rank your car as being totaled, three factors must be present:

• The car can’t be repaired safely
• The repairs cost more than the car is worth
• The car repairs are higher than the total loss threshold (which varies by state)

Most insurance companies will send an adjuster to evaluate the vehicle and determine whether it’s a total loss.

Claim A Free Case Evaluation

How Do I Know What My Car is Worth?

When the insurance adjuster makes the decision to total your vehicle, they will also determine what your vehicle is worth. A vehicle’s value is dependent on these factors:

• The current condition of the vehicle (body, interior, tires, motor, etc.)
• The current mileage of the vehicle
• The current sales price of the same model car in similar condition

It’s not uncommon for insurance companies to attempt to get you to settle for less than your vehicle is worth. It’s important to have an educated idea of the value of your car at all times. If you feel like the insurance company is not offering you a fair price for your totaled vehicle, a trusted car accident attorney can help you fight to win the compensation you deserve.

What are My Options If My Vehicle is Totaled?

If your vehicle is totaled, the insurance company will provide you with a check for the value of that vehicle (assuming you were carrying the appropriate coverage on your insurance policy.) Once you receive the check for your vehicle, you can use it however you choose. It’s important to note, however, that if you had a lien on your vehicle, you must pay off the remainder of your loan first.

Once your car loan is paid-in-full, you can choose to use the money from your totaled vehicle as a down payment on a new vehicle, to purchase a used vehicle outright, or save the money to purchase a car in the future.

When Should I Contact a Knowledgeable Car Accident Attorney?

If you’ve been in a car accident recently, you need San Diego car accident attorneys on your side who know how to fight for you. The Barnes Firm, our experienced and highly trained car accident attorneys have helped many clients injured in car accidents get the best result possible.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, contact an experienced car accident attorney at The Barnes Firm today. From the first phone conversation through to the final settlement, the team of attorneys at The Barnes Firm will work hard for you every step of the way.

The Barnes Firm: (800) 800-0000

Claim A Free Case Evaluation

Richard Barnes – President of The Barnes Firm

Richard Barnes: “As President of The Barnes Firm, I have dedicated my career to achieving justice in hundreds of cases for the victims of injuries caused through the fault of others. Additionally, I have been honored to have been elected Best Lawyer and a Super Lawyer”

Years of Experience: 30+ years
LinkedIn Profile: Richard Barnes