{"id":2267,"date":"2020-12-09T16:51:55","date_gmt":"2020-12-09T22:51:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/going-places.thegeneral.com\/totaled-car-after-an-accident\/"},"modified":"2025-08-27T10:05:21","modified_gmt":"2025-08-27T15:05:21","slug":"totaled-car-after-an-accident","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thegeneral.com\/going-places\/blog\/car-insurance\/totaled-car-after-an-accident\/","title":{"rendered":"What Happens When My Car Is Totaled in an Accident?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Depending on your coverage, <\/span>y<\/span>our<\/span> insurance <\/span>may<\/span> cover your vehicle if it<\/span>\u2019<\/span>s totaled<\/span> in a<\/span> <\/span>car<\/span> accident<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a>. <\/span>Read on to understand your <\/span>insurance <\/span>options <\/span>and how to start the claims process.<\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When Is a Car Considered Totaled?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The term totaled generally refers to a damaged car whose cost of repair approaches or exceeds its value, or a car that is deemed non-repairable based on the extent of the damage. Your insurer will estimate the vehicle\u2019s damage and the extent of repairs necessary to bring it back to its pre-accident condition. They consider the fair market value of the vehicle to determine if it\u2019s an appropriate candidate for repair or if it should be considered totaled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re seeking coverage for a total loss under your own policy, your policy provisions and your zip code will determine what you can recover. The legal threshold to determine whether the extent of the damage justifies a total loss varies among states\u2014each state, and sometimes each locality has unique total loss laws that guide the claims process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Starting the Total Loss Car Claims Process<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A totaled car has usually sustained a lot of damage.\u202fIf the totaled vehicle is considered undrivable or unsafe, it may need to be towed from the scene to a storage or repair location.\u202fIt\u2019s important to notify your insurance company of any loss as soon as possible to expedite the claims process, handle the vehicle\u2019s damage, avoid unnecessary charges, and comply with policy conditions.<\/span> <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

After the\u202f<\/span>claims process<\/span><\/a>\u202fis initiated, your claims adjuster will coordinate a vehicle inspection with your car\u2019s repair facility or storage location. They\u2019ll evaluate the anticipated repair costs and the extent of the damage following the inspection process. Your carrier will present you with a settlement amount if the vehicle is deemed a total loss based on this assessment.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Determining Fair Market Value of a Totaled Car<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Your insurer will perform a complete assessment of your vehicle to determine its fair market value. In addition to your car\u2019s year, make, and model, your insurer will consider your car\u2019s overall condition, any pre-loss damage it may have suffered, and the price of equivalent cars on the market. Your insurance carrier will establish the pre-loss value of your vehicle using industry-trusted resources and come to a figure accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your car is totaled in an accident and you make a claim under your own policy, previous changes to your vehicle (aftermarket accessories or modifications) may not be eligible for coverage or may have limited coverage available under the terms of the policy.\u202fIn other cases, these items may detract or add to your vehicle\u2019s value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Deciding Whether to Retain a Total Loss Vehicle<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Even if your vehicle is totaled, you may still be interested in keeping it.\u202fWhile your insurer is subject to <\/span>state regulations<\/span><\/a> and obligations to any lienholders, this option may be available. However, there are some factors to consider before deciding to keep a totaled car: <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n