After you’ve called a car towing professional to remove your vehicle from the site of an accident, a natural next step is to have the damage inspected by a body shop or insurance adjuster. Depending on the severity of the incident, you may hear the dreaded phrase, “Your car is totaled.” But what exactly does this mean, and what options do you have moving forward? Bolster’s Towing in Kalispell, MT, has your answers.

What Defines a “Totaled” Car?

While most of us imagine a totaled car as being mangled beyond repair, the majority of these vehicles aren’t so severely damaged. Some can even be driven away from the scene of an accident without the need for car towing services.

In reality, a vehicle is considered to be totaled when the costs of its repairs exceed a certain percentage of the car’s actual value. In Montana, this analysis also takes into account a vehicle’s scrap value. Because repairs can be so costly, even a minor accident can cause an older vehicle to be declared a total loss. While airbags are great, they are also expensive to replace. Sometimes a minor accident will deploy all the airbags in your vehicle.

What Can I Do Next?

If your insurance company says your vehicle has been totaled, you still have a few options available. Most people will accept a full settlement from the insurance provider. Your insurance provider will take possession of the car and pay you a cash value equivalent to what the vehicle was worth before the accident. But you need to do research before accepting what the insurance offer. You should know the mileage and condition of the vehicle before the accident. Go on-line to Kelly Blue Book and NADA and get a used vehicle value from there. Then contact car dealerships and ask them what they would sell your vehicle for in pre-accident condition. Write down who you spoke with, the date, time and amount. If the insurance company offers you an amount considerably less than multiple dealerships indicate is a fair value for your vehicle, tell the insurance that you spoke with vehicle dealerships and the average your vehicle is worth. Do not release your vehicle until you are satisfied with your medical and vehicle settlement. The vehicle is your leverage.

If you wish to keep your vehicle and repair it yourself, you can accept a partial settlement from the insurance company and then apply for a salvage title. After obtaining a salvage title, you can begin repairing your car—though to put it back on the road and obtain a rebuilt title, it will need to pass a thorough safety inspection. If you live at an apartment complex or have a Home Owners Association, it may be against the bylaws for a wrecked vehicle to sit on the property; check with the manager or association president. 

Whether you’ve been in an accident or have simply experienced a roadside breakdown, it helps to have a car towing team who can get you out of trouble. With 24/7 roadside assistance available, you can trust Bolster’s Towing to help in your time of need. To learn more about what this towing company can do for you, visit them online or call (406) 752-4528 to request a tow.