In the aftermath of a car accident, you want to get your vehicle fixed and back on the road as quickly as possible. However, before any work can begin, your insurance company will send a claims adjuster to assess the extent of the damages and get an estimate for car repairs. If they determine your vehicle would cost more to fix than it’s worth, it’ll be declared a total loss — in other words, totaled. 

Determining a Total Loss & Where to Go From There

How Is a Car Considered to Be Totaled?

To identify your vehicle’s actual cash value, the claims adjuster will take a variety of factors into consideration. This will typically include its age, condition, make and model, mileage, and resale value. They will then evaluate the difference between this number and the repair estimate to see if it will benefit them more to total your car.

What Happens Once a Car Is Deemed a Total Loss?

When a vehicle is considered totaled, your insurance provider will compensate you to help pay for a replacement, if you have collision coverage. The amount you are offered will equal the pre-accident value of your car minus the deductible you’re responsible for paying out of pocket.

You can choose to accept the settlement from your insurance company or request to get the damaged vehicle back if your state allows for that. The payment will go directly to you unless you have a lienholder. If you decide to go with the second option, you will get a check for the car’s value minus the deductible and salvage value. You can then opt to get car repairs on your own or sell the parts.

The technicians at Crazy Al’s Gypsum Auto Body are the most trusted source for car repairs in and around Gypsum, CO. They work closely with drivers and insurance providers to try and minimize the number of total losses that come through their automotive shop. To speak with a representative today about your situation, call (970) 524-7339, or visit them on Yelp to request a quote for service.