Following a collision one of the first questions you may ask is whether it is totaled. If fixing the car costs more than it was worth before the incident — which is what the vehicle was worth before the damage occurred. Car insurers rely on this benchmark to choose between repair or write-off.
Begin by learning how insurers assess your vehicle’s worth.
Insurers evaluate the brand, Så får du rätt ersättning för din skrotbil trim level, age, odometer reading, overall condition, and regional pricing trends.
Use trusted valuation platforms such as NADA Guides, Autotrader, or CarGurus to gauge worth.
These sites give you a range based on private sale and trade-in values.
Next, consider the extent of the damage.
What appears minor on the outside could involve costly frame or chassis repairs.
Professionals examine the unibody, steering components, braking system, and safety modules.
If the frame is bent or there is damage to the engine or airbag system, repairs can quickly become expensive.
Most insurers apply a total loss formula based on a fixed percentage of the vehicle’s value.
Some states set the bar as low as 50%, while others allow up to 90% before declaring a total loss.
A $10K vehicle with $7,000+ in repairs typically crosses the total loss threshold.
Certain states mandate exact percentages by statute.
Your own research can challenge their valuation.
You have the right to submit counter-evidence to support a higher value.
Compile service records, pre-crash photos, and local classified ads for comparable models.
Hire a certified vehicle evaluator to provide an unbiased assessment.
If your car is declared totaled, the insurance company will offer you a settlement based on the vehicle’s actual cash value minus any deductible you owe.
You may retain the wreck and get the salvage amount, though re-registering and insuring becomes complicated.
It simply means the repair cost outweighs the economic benefit.
Fixing it would be financially imprudent compared to replacing it.
Armed with knowledge, you can advocate for fair compensation when your vehicle is declared a total loss
