How do insurance companies decide if a car is a total loss? Is it worth keeping a totaled car?
What is considered a total loss by a car insurance company? My 2011 Honda Accord Coupe suffered some serious damage when I hit a deer. I'm hoping it won't be considered totaled.
Answer
“Sorry to hear about your situation—happy to know you’re alright! A car is usually considered a total loss when the cost of repairing it is higher than the value of the vehicle.
When you’re involved in an accident, an adjuster (insurance claims agent) is tasked with looking at your car and assessing its overall value. To determine the vehicle’s value, most agents will consider its:
- Age
- Condition
- Mileage
- Resale value
- Selling price of similar cars in your area
If the repair costs are higher than the value they determine, then the car will be labeled a total loss. You could still decide to fix your car, but it’ll be given a salvage certificate (a label that declares it cannot be driven, registered, or sold until it is repaired and inspected).
A salvage title can cause your auto insurance rates to go up, and it can also make it harder to get insurance. So keep that in mind when deciding whether to keep a totaled car.
Whether you end up getting a new vehicle or keeping your Honda, make sure you’re getting the best insurance at a price you can afford. The Jerry app makes shopping around quick and easy! A licensed broker that offers end-to-end support, Jerry will gather affordable quotes, help you switch plans, and will even assist in canceling your old policy.”
Savannah Grabek
Answered on Sep 09, 2021
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