If you’ve been in a vehicular collision that totaled your car, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure of the next steps you should take. It can be difficult to determine whether to get the vehicle repaired or consider it a total loss and obtain a replacement from your local car dealership. Your options depend not only on the extent of the damage, but also the age and overall condition of your ride. Below, learn how to best approach this situation. 

What Are the Repair & Scrap Options?

There are typically two reasons for keeping a totaled car after an inspection by an insurance claims adjuster. If the damage is minor and mainly cosmetic, you should be able to continue driving it safely. Which party pays for the repairs depends on whether you live in a no-fault state or not. No-fault states require the driver’s insurance to pay for damages regardless of who was at fault. Therefore, if you live in a no-fault state, you need collision insurance to pay for repairs. If you don't live in a no-fault state, the other driver’s insurance carrier pays for damages.

Your other option in terms of keeping your car is to scrap it if you’ll make more money selling the parts than what insurance is willing to pay. Scrapping the vehicle is especially beneficial if the car is older, and the extent of the damages is questionable.

When Is the Car Deemed a Total Loss?

A vehicle doesn’t have to be a crumpled mess to be labeled as a total loss by the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier. If your airbags deployed, for example, the carrier will call it a loss because airbags cost thousands of dollars to fix. Insurance companies typically offer to pay a vehicle’s market value when it is totaled, allowing you to purchase a replacement at your local car dealership. It’s an option even if you still owe money on the vehicle. For example, if you owe $7,000 on your car and it is worth $5,000, you will receive $2,000 for it minus your deductible.

Also, keep in mind that the insurance company will likely replace your car if it is new or less than three months old. 

If you need a replacement vehicle, turn to FaciDeal Auto Center in Haines City, FL. This car dealership specializes in pre-owned and exotic cars and trucks. They also offer mid-size sedans and SUVs, and serve every driver’s preferences. Call (863) 588-2159 today to get started or review the used car inventory online.