<body><div><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0WZDHZ_0w0KCKSA00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0WZDHZ_0w0KCKSA00" width="1200" height="630" ><p>An auto accident can cause severe damage to your vehicle, which may need to be completely totaled in some cases. When the insurance company deems your car a total loss, it costs more to repair it than the vehicle is worth.</p><p>Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can help you navigate your options and get the maximum compensation for your totaled car and any other personal injuries you endured. </p><h2>What Insurance Companies Consider a Totaled Car</h2><p>Car insurance companies look at the car’s actual cash value (ACV). That’s how much your car is worth. Several factors determine your car’s worth, including:</p><ul><li><b>Age</b>: Cars depreciate as they age.</li><li><b>Mileage</b>: High mileage causes wear and tear on your car.</li><li><b>Car Make and Model:</b> A car’s make and model impact the car’s original cost.</li><li><b>Damage</b>: Damage detracts from the total value of the car.</li></ul><p>The actual cash value is the baseline for what insurance companies use to determine the value of a destroyed vehicle. </p><h2>Repair Costs</h2><p>The cost of repairs compared to the car’s value is a huge factor in determining whether a vehicle will be totaled. </p><p>Insurance companies get a quote for the cost of fixing the car. Then, they compare it to the actual cash value, which gives them the total loss ratio (TLR). While it varies by state and insurance company, if the TLR is 75% or more, the damaged vehicle will be deemed a total loss. </p><h2>Salvage Value</h2><p>Some insurance companies also consider the salvage value in their total decision. This is how much they could get for the vehicle at a salvage yard, and they subtract it from the actual cash value. </p><p>If it costs more to fix it or meets that maximum threshold where it’s not worth fixing the car, the insurance company will deem it a total loss.</p><h2>Insurance Company Policies</h2><p>Different insurance companies have varying criteria for totaling a vehicle, and you can read your policy or reach out to an agent to learn more. The threshold may vary on what constitutes a complete total, and state laws require cars to be totaled if the repairs cost more than the car’s actual value. </p><h2>What to Expect When Your Car Is Totaled</h2><p>Typically, there are three options when your car is totaled: insurance payout, replacement, or salvage title. Here’s what you can expect from each. </p><h2>Insurance Payout</h2><p>Insurance companies can choose to pay you for the vehicle’s total value. You can take this cash settlement and buy a comparable car or put it towards a new vehicle. It is up to you how you handle the insurance payout.</p><h2>Replacement Options</h2><p>Insurance may opt to give you a replacement car. To qualify, the new vehicle must be:</p><ul><li><b>Comparable to Previous Car</b>: It must be in similar condition, the same model, the same or newer year, miles, etc. </li><li><b>Purchased from a Licensed Dealer</b>: The car must be acquired from a reputable source. </li><li><b>Signed Off by You</b>: You need to approve the replacement vehicle.</li></ul><p>Depending on the state, an insurance company may have other criteria to meet, and a car accident lawyer can help you understand your options.</p><h2>Salvage Title</h2><p>An insurance company issues a salvage title when a car is considered a total loss. The title can only be insured if the vehicle has been completely fixed. </p><p>Once the car has been repaired, you can get a rebuilt title, but the insurance options for the vehicle may be limited. If the salvage title has been issued, your options for the next steps with the car are limited. </p><h2>Understanding Your Insurance Policy</h2><p>Coverage varies by insurance policies, so you must understand your policy regarding totaled cars. </p><h2>Comprehensive Coverage</h2><p>Comprehensive coverage is a type of insurance that covers events that damage or total your car that are out of our control. They can include:</p><ul><li><b>Inclement weather</b>: Tornados, hail, hurricanes, falling trees, etc. </li><li><b>Animal collisions</b>: Your damage will be covered if you hit an animal while driving.</li><li><b>Fire</b>: If your car is part of a fire, it should be covered.</li><li><b>Theft and vandalism</b>: Cars totaled as part of a crime are covered under comprehensive policies. </li></ul><p>While your specific coverage will vary, totaled cars that result from a car crash are not covered under comprehensive insurance policies. You need collision coverage for that to apply. </p><h2>Deductibles</h2><p>Each policy covers a deductible you must meet before the insurance kicks in, much like health insurance. The deductible amount will be subtracted from the total payout you receive from the insurance company.</p><p>If you were not at fault, the at-fault driver’s insurance company may reimburse you for the deductible. </p><h2>Rental Car Reimbursement</h2><p>Some car insurance policies will cover the cost of a rental car if your car is totaled and you still need a vehicle to drive. </p><ul><li><b>Coverage</b>: Insurance may only cover rental cars for a set amount of time. </li><li><b>File a Claim</b>: If you get the rental, you must submit for reimbursement. Some insurance agencies will arrange for a rental on your behalf. </li><li><b>Circumstances</b>: Rental car insurance does not cover rental vehicles not associated with an accident. </li></ul><p>In most cases, this is an optional policy that must be added to your auto insurance. </p><h2>Negotiating With Your Insurance Company</h2><p>Insurance companies want to offer the minimum settlement possible, so you may need to negotiate with them. You’ll need to gather evidence, including insurance reports. Having an experienced attorney by your side can make negotiations less stressful for you. </p><h2>Gather Evidence</h2><p>Collect evidence to help support your car accident claim. </p><ul><li><b>Insurance Details:</b> If it was a car accident, get the other driver’s name, contact information, and insurance details. </li><li><b>Photos and Videos:</b> Show various angles of what happened, including any damage to another car, the scene of the accident, the surrounding environment, and more. </li><li><b>Reports</b>: Secure medical and police reports that back up your claims. </li><li><b>Statements</b>: Get eyewitness testimonies of what happened, including their personal information.</li></ul><p>Write down what you can and be as detailed as possible. This will help your insurance claim.</p><h2>Consult With an Expert</h2><p>Your insurer will send an adjuster, but don’t hesitate to get a second opinion. Consult a car appraiser or mechanic for another opinion on the totaled vehicle. They may have a different opinion, so you will have something to discuss.</p><h2>Be Prepared to Negotiate</h2><p>The auto insurance company wants to pay the least amount they can, so don’t accept their first offer. It will often be lower, and you can negotiate for more money. A skilled lawyer can help advocate on your behalf. </p><h2>Contact a Skilled Car Accident Lawyer</h2><p>If your vehicle has been considered totaled, and you’re unsure what to do next, contact a skilled car accident lawyer from Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers. We can help you get the best compensation from the insurance companies, including damages for your injuries. </p><p>Call us at (888) 424-5757 or fill out the contact form on our website to schedule your free, confidential consultation today!</p></div></body>

Mountain View, CA

NewsBreak

What Does a Totaled Car Mean?

An auto accident can cause severe damage to your vehicle, which may need to be completely totaled in some cases. When the insurance company deems your car a total loss, it costs more to repair it than the vehicle is worth. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can help you navigate your options...