Though you may associate “totaling” a car with severe auto accidents, even seemingly minor fender benders can result in enough damage to total a vehicle. So what comes next after the insurance adjuster says your car is a total loss? As it turns out, you still have a few options available.

Giving Up Your Car

The most common course of action after your car has been declared a total loss is to let your insurance company “buy” the car from you. The adjuster will look at your vehicle’s make, model, mileage, and other factors to determine its retail value before the accident. This is also how they decide if the cost of repairs outweighs the vehicle’s total worth.

The insurance company will then provide a payment based on this estimate, though your policy’s deductible will come out of the money you receive. After clearing out personal items from the car, you’ll need to turn in your keys, title, and vehicle to your insurance adjuster, who will pay you. 

Keeping Your Vehicle

In some cases, drivers will elect to keep their vehicle, even after it has been declared a total loss. This process can be a bit more complex. Instead of a full payout, you can instead accept a partial settlement from your insurance, after which you will need to take care of repairs at a collision center. Once they have been completed, you can let your insurance agent know it has been repaired, which will allow you to keep your insurance coverage up to date.

Looking for a collision center that will get your vehicle back in shape after an accident?  Miracle Workers Auto Collision Center in Lincoln, NE, will help you get your car on the road again. To learn more about their work or request an estimate, visit them online or call (402) 474-7355.