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When is a Car Considered Totaled?

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Nyne
When is a Car Considered Totaled?

A totaled car is one that has been declared a total loss by an insurance company due to its damage sustained in an accident. A car is considered totaled when the cost to repair the vehicle exceeds a determined percentage of the vehicle before the accident. This percentage is usually 70 to 75% depending on insurance companies and state. Therefore, if your car was worth $5,000 before the accident and it would cost more than $3,500 to repair it, then your car may be considered totaled.


If your car is deemed a total loss in an accident, the insurance company will usually provide compensation for the cash value of the vehicle before the accident. In some cases, you may be able to negotiate a higher settlement if you can prove that the value of your vehicle was greater than the insurance company's assessment.


The actual cash value of a car is determined by factors such as age, condition, and mileage. The insurance company will typically use standard valuation guides to come up with an estimate for your car's value before the accident.


If you still owe money on your car loan after it is declared a total loss, you may still be required to pay back the remaining balance. If you had comprehensive collision coverage on your vehicle, the insurance company may waive any remaining loan balance if they reimburse you for the car's value before the accident.


If the total loss was not due to your fault or negligence, you may be able to pursue financial compensation from the at-fault party. In most cases, this would require you to file a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent driver or any other liable parties. An experienced car accident lawyer can help you determine if you have grounds for a case and walk you through the process of filing a claim.


If your car is declared a total loss in an accident, you may be able to recover compensation from either your insurance company or from any negligent parties responsible for the crash. It is important to be aware of your legal rights and to contact an attorney if you believe that you are entitled to financial compensation for your losses.

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