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What do I do if my car is totaled?
I totaled my car—what do I do now? I’ve never been in this situation. I’m okay and not severely injured. But I don't know what my next steps should be.
Phoebe Mah · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
“I’m so glad to hear you are not hurt! First, take a deep breath. Then, you’ll need to file a claim with your insurance provider, and I’m happy to help walk you through the process.
When
filing an insurance claim
, every state has different rules and deadlines. Although the natural thought is to file a claim immediately, sometimes injuries or damages can take days, weeks, or months to reveal themselves. So know that as long as you file the claim within your state’s given timeframe, you will still be able to proceed with the claim.The next step is to tow the vehicle to a reputable auto body shop, where they will assess and calculate the damages. They will also speak with an insurance adjuster, who will determine whether your car is totaled or not.
Depending on your current car insurance policy, you may be fully covered for a tow through roadside assistance. However, if you only purchased a minimum liability coverage plan, consider adding
towing and labor coverage
to your car insurance policy to save money in instances like this.But we certainly hope this is a once-in-a-lifetime thing for you!
If you’re looking for roadside assistance at a great price, try
Jerry
. Jerry gives you access to industry-leading roadside assistance including towing, lockout service, and a mechanics hotline for only $6.99 a month.”View full answer
- Gregory R.
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
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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