In the United States, there are six million car accidents each year. Not only do drivers have to worry about injuries to themselves and the other passengers, but they also have to worry about car repairs as well.
In some cases, it may be that the car is totaled. But it may not always be readily apparent when your car is completely totaled.
Knowing the signs can help you deal with and negotiate with your insurance company. If you’ve been wondering, “when is a car totaled,” keep reading.
We’re sharing with you five signs when a car is considered totaled.
1. Your Car is Totaled When it Costs More to Repair it Than to Replace it
When is a car considered totaled? When your insurance company deems that the cost of repairing your car after an accident is more expensive than it is to replace the car.
Your insurance company will refuse to repair the car but will instead give you money that matches the actual worth of your car. This money can then be used for you to buy a replacement vehicle.
2. Leaking Fluids and Unable to Drive the Car
If you can’t drive your car to the repair shop because of the following reasons, there’s a good chance your car will be considered totaled:
- Car won’t start
- Parts of the car are bent
- Parts of the car are blocking the view of the driver
- Fluids are leaking
If your fluids are leaking, it often means an expensive repair that many insurance companies don’t want to pay for.
3. Your Car Over Five Years Old and There’s Extensive Damage to the Frame
If your car is over five years old and there’s extensive damage to the frame, most insurance companies would consider that to be totaling a car. The costs to build the car’s frame and repaint wouldn’t be worth it.
To determine if your car still retains much of its original value, look it up on Kelley Blue Book (KKB). You’ll be asked what condition your car was in before the accident.
While KBB is a guideline, it is a good indicator of whether you can expect your insurance company to cover the cost of repairs or give you money to replace your car.
4. Your Car is Too Old for Any Type of Damage
If you’re driving around a 20-year-old car, unless it’s vintage, the chances are the car isn’t worth much money.
And even if the repairs are doable, if they cost more than what the car costs, the insurance company will declare it totaled.
5. Your Car Has a High Amount of Miles Under its Belt
Just like the age of your car is a factor, so is the number of miles on the car. The higher the number of miles, the less it’s worth.
If possible, check your mileage. If it’s too destroyed, you should be able to figure out the number by checking previous servicing reports.
Where to Take Your Car After an Accident
If your car is totaled, it’s time to look for a new car. If your car just needs repair work, we can help. We can help you negotiate a claim on your behalf and then fix your car.
Click here to contact us to learn more.