If you've recently been in an accident where your car was totaled, you have a few options for dealing with the problem. The best one depends on your circumstances, the extent of the damage, and your insurance company. Review these options to determine whether to visit a salvage yard.

What to Do With a Car After a Total-Loss Accident

1. Fix It

Once a car has been totaled, it's illegal to drive it. However, if you repair the vehicle, you can get it re-titled as a "rebuilt" car, making it legal again. This is a potential option if you know mechanics who offer cheap rates for the restoration. Local salvage yards also carry used auto parts that make repairs more affordable.

2. File an Insurance Claim

In Connecticut, the legal requirement for declaring a car totaled is that the cost to repair it must be greater than the value of the car. When this happens, insurance companies offer settlements that can go toward new purchases. If you accept, they pay you and take possession of the damaged property.

3. Sell It to a Salvage Yard

If you don't like your insurance company's offer but still want to trade your totaled car for cash, look for a buyer. A local salvage yard may offer more than your insurance company. These facilities repair broken parts to resell them, or recycle scrap metal. Even if you consider taking an insurance deal, it never hurts to call a local yard to get an estimate for your vehicle.

Stewart’s Used Auto Parts in Barkhamsted, CT, is a trusted salvage yard. Serving Litchfield County, they buy used and totaled cars in all conditions for metal recycling. They also carry used auto parts that are inspected for functionality. Their advanced computerized inventory system makes everything easy to find. Call (860) 379-7541 to discuss your situation, or visit their website to learn more about their recycling program.