There are more than 43,000 motor vehicle crashes on U.S. roads every year. Although accidents are common, the process of getting compensated for the car damage isn’t always straightforward.
Often, the insurance company will deem the car “totaled.” So instead of paying for repairs, they compensate the owner and sell the car for scrap.
Sometimes, though, drivers wish to repair the vehicle regardless of it being totaled. Maybe the car is a rare model or has sentimental value.
Whatever the case, this article explains critical aspects to look for in a totaled car repair shop. It will give you an idea of how to repair a car that is a “total loss” and how to find the right collision shop for the job.
What Is a Totaled Car?
In general, the definition of a totaled car is one where the cost to repair the damage exceeds the vehicle’s “actual cash value” (ACV) at the time of the crash. An insurer also might “total” a car if they determine that it would be unsafe to drive, even if repaired. The term “totaled” comes from the concept that the car is a “total loss.”
There is a caveat: different thresholds for when an insurance company can make this determination vary by state. In many locations, repair costs must reach a certain percentage (usually between 65 and 80 percent) of the pre-crash car value. The threshold in Pennsylvania is 100 percent, although the insurance company can factor “scrap costs” into the equation.
Can You Fix a Totaled Car?
In many instances, you can still choose to repair a car that your insurance carrier has deemed a total loss. However, remember that finding insurance coverage for such a vehicle may be difficult. This is especially true if it was considered unsafe to drive despite repairs.
In these situations, you should seek to have the car recognized as “rebuilt,” as indicated in the title, versus being “repaired.”
If you decide to keep a ” totaled car,” you will still receive the reimbursement amount determined by the insurance company’s assessor. They may, however, deduct the costs of scrapping the car if it was included in that quote.
The most important thing you can do is find a totaled car repair shop with a good reputation for addressing this dilemma. They will be able to assess whether restoration is possible and walk you through the process.
Learn More About Totaled Car Repair Shop Qualifications
Now that you understand what aspects of a totaled car repair shop owners and insurance companies look at, you will better understand what to expect. An experienced repair company can further advise you on the steps to quickly get you back on the road.
Limerick Auto Body is a full-service collision repair facility serving southeastern Pennsylvania, including Limerick, Pottstown, and Royersford. We will handle every aspect of fixing your car, including dealing with your insurance company and lining up temporary transportation. Reach out to us today to schedule service.