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What should I do with my car after it is totaled in New Jersey?
"My car was hit by an uninsured driver in NJ and the insurance company thinks it might be totaled. I have collision coverage, so I am covered.
They want me to let them tow it to their total loss location. Should I let them or have them tow it to a repair shop?"
Shannon Martin · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
In
New Jersey
, many insurance companies use algorithms during the claim reporting process to determine if the vehicle is likely a total loss after an accident
. They consider the year, make, and model of the vehicle, as well as the extent of the damage reported. If the car is a total loss, it is cheaper for them to tow the car to their total loss location than to a repair shop. If they tow the car to a repair shop and then determine that the car is totaled, they have to tow it again.
Although
collision coverage
typically covers the tow, the process is usually easier and quicker for you if you let the insurance company tow the car to their total loss location. The only reason not to tow it there would be if you intend to keep the vehicle and repair it.Let your insurer know what your decision is as soon as possible because your collision coverage may not cover excess storage fees.
View full answer
- Gregory R.
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