Is My Car Totaled?

A common question we hear at Eli’s Collision Repair is, “Is my car totaled?” When is a car considered totaled? Insurance companies “total” a car if they deem that the cost to repair the vehicle is more than its book value at the time of the collision. A vehicle may also be considered totaled if it would be unsafe to drive even after repairs are made. What happens when a car is totaled, and what makes a car a total loss? The guide below from Eli’s Collision Repair covers this and more.

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What Happens When My Car is Totaled?

Is my car totaled? If your insurance company decides to total your car, you will receive the vehicle’s actual cash value (ACV). This is how much the car was worth just prior to the collision. A reduction in value is included for depreciation, so even if the car is relatively new, the ACV will be less than what you paid.

Here are the steps you need to take when your car is involved in a collision:

File an insurance claim
Wait for the insurer to determine whether the car is totaled based on repair costs
If the car is totaled, you will then be issued payment for the ACV of the totaled vehicle, minus your deductible on your comprehensive or collision coverage.

What Makes a Car a Total Loss?

What makes a car a total loss? Are you wondering, “Is my car totaled?” When is a car considered totaled? These five signs generally indicate a total loss.

The vehicle costs more to repair than replace
The car is over five years old and has extensive frame damage
The car is old and not considered vintage
The vehicle is leaking fluids and is not driveable
There are a lot of miles on the odometer

Get an Estimate at Eli’s Collision Repair

If your vehicle has been damaged in an accident around Beverly Hills or Santa Monica, bring it in for an estimate at Eli’s Collision Repair. Our highly-skilled technicians will work hard to restore your vehicle to its former glory. Contact us today if you have any questions.

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