When Is a Car Considered Totaled?

At some point in your life, you’ve heard the word “totaled” when it comes to a car accident. Perhaps you heard a parent talk about it, or maybe your insurance provider said something about what it means to have a car totaled. Our guide from Fisher Honda near Louisville discusses when a car is considered totaled so you can have an idea of how your auto insurance works if you’re ever in a car accident in Boulder or elsewhere.

When Is a Car Considered Totaled After an Accident?

The answer is fairly simple. A car is considered totaled when the cost to repair a car exceeds its total value. How much repair costs must exceed a car’s value varies, depending on the state and the insurance provider. For example, your car is worth $5,000. But it may cost $8,000 to repair it after an accident. Probably, a car is considered totaled when this scenario happens in Broomfield or other locations.

Signs a Car Is Totaled

See the following scenarios to see if the end result is a car totaled. Meaning, that if these ever happen to you, the insurance claim will consider the car a total loss and you can put the money from the claim toward a newer vehicle.

• Again, your car is totaled when it’s more expensive to repair it at a service center than to replace it.
• If you can’t even drive your car to the repair shop because it’s pouring fluids, parts of the car are bent, or your view of the road is obstructed, chances are the repair costs will outweigh the value. You’ll have a car totaled, meaning you can get a newer one with the insurance money.
• Your car is older than five years, and the frame is significantly damaged. Fixing a car’s frame is already expensive. If the car is old anyway, the insurance company may deem it a total loss.
• Your car is so old that repair bills and bodywork exceed its value.
• You might have a high-mileage car on your hands that is more than 15 years old or it has more than 200,000 miles on it. If a costly repair comes up that is more than the value of the vehicle, it might be considered totaled.

What to Do if Your Car is Totaled in an Accident

First, call 911 to get first responders at the scene. After the authorities arrive and insurance information is exchanged, contact your auto insurance agent and file a claim. Based on the costs of the repairs, your insurance provider will determine if your car is a total loss through a specialist called an adjuster. This expert will determine what repairs are needed and if the value of the repairs exceeds the value of the vehicle.

After that, the insurance company will provide you with a payment based on the vehicle’s value at the time of the accident. The adjuster will account for the vehicle’s age, mileage, condition, and more. The deductible on your collision and comprehensive insurance coverage will be deducted from the amount you receive for the value of the vehicle.

Service Your Car or Have Bodywork Done at Fisher Honda

Were you in an accident? Our collision center in Boulder, near Longmont, will work with your insurance provider to get you an accurate quote for repairs, from simple dents and dings to complete body shop services. We’re happy to help in any way we can! If you have questions, contact us or call 303-998-6215, and we’ll talk to you.