Insurance companies declare a car totaled if the cost of repairing damages exceeds the vehicle's value. This process is usually more complicated than getting your vehicle fixed, as you have to be concerned about your accident claims and car title. You may earn some cash from selling the vehicle to an auto salvage yard. Before you do, keep the following advice in mind.

What to Do After Your Vehicle Is Totaled

1. Get Your Paperwork Right

If you choose to accept the insurance company's evaluation, make sure you get your claim closed out properly. This requires you to sign over your car title to the insurance company.

The same thing goes if you have a pending car loan. You need to acknowledge a power of attorney document transferring vehicle ownership to the insurance company once your auto loan is paid off. To ensure a smoother process, make it a point to communicate well with the claims adjuster.

2. Sell to an Auto Salvage Yard

You may still make money from your totaled car if you sell it to an auto salvage yard, but keep in mind that many insurance companies will deduct what they believe is the salvage value from the payout you receive.

Look for a reputable facility that will take the time to evaluate your vehicle. At the same time, do your research so you know how much your totaled vehicle may fetch. Alternatively, you can consider selling reusable auto parts individually.

3. Fix the Car

In some instances, cars are declared a total loss due to hail damage. When the car is totaled due to a cosmetic reason such as this, you’ll likely know you can still drive it safely. In this case, you can keep your vehicle and make the necessary repairs. Be sure to check with a professional mechanic or body shop first to verify that you’re making the best decision.

If your car is totaled and you want an auto salvage yard that gives fair assessments on tradeable parts, trust the team at Al's Auto Salvage & Sales. In business for 50 years, they have been selling high-quality and affordable used car parts in St. Louis, MO. Whether you’re looking for foreign car parts or used cars, this facility has got you covered with their comprehensive online search system. For more information, call them at (314) 382-6112 and check out their extensive inventory online.