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How do I deal with insurance companies on car total claims?
My car was totaled out last week after I got into an accident. How do I deal with my insurance company on my car total claim?
Matthew Macgugan · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
So sorry to hear about the accident; I hope you’re all right! Your
car insurance
provider should offer you a price around the value of your vehicle just before the accident.Some companies determine your car a total loss when the cost to repair it after the accident is above 50% of its value before the accident. For others, this number is as much as 80%, but it really depends on the company. If you feel the adjuster’s offer is too low, you have the option to present a counter offer for your
totaled car
. Do your research to determine your car’s value before the accident, including any upgrades or major services that were performed in the months before the accident.Once you reach an agreement with your insurer about how much your vehicle is worth and they issue a settlement check, they will send your car to a salvage yard, where it will likely be sold for parts. Your options are limited if you decide to keep your totaled vehicle and attempt repairs yourself. Keep in mind that not all necessary repairs are always obvious, and you won’t be able to purchase comprehensive or collision coverage on a salvage title vehicle.
If you have made any modifications or upgrades to your vehicle, you should submit the receipts to your adjuster as well, because they may have increased the value of your vehicle.
It’s also good to keep in mind that your insurance will likely increase after the accident. To make sure you’re still getting the best deal on the coverage you need, check out the
Jerry
app—we’ll get you personalized quotes from over 50 of the nation’s leading providers so you can find cheaper coverage with an accident on your record.Good luck with your insurance company!
View full answer
- Gregory R.
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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
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