What Happens if My Car Gets Totaled?

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What Is the Definition of a Totaled Car?

Car accidents happen every day, and even fender-benders can end up causing enough damage for your insurance company to deem your car totaled. We know a lot of people wonder if there’s a definition or exact totaled car meaning, so we’ll explain it as best as possible. For insurers, a totaled car refers to a vehicle that cannot be repaired at all. Typically, it means the cost to repair the vehicle is more than the cost to replace it outright, which is why it’s declared a total loss. Depending on your car insurance coverage, you may be reimbursed for the current market value of your car or its actual cash value (ACV), which is the value of your car at the time of accident.
 
Each state has their own unique state laws on what is considered a totaled car. While state car insurance requirements can also vary, some reasons why a vehicle may be qualified as a total loss include:
 
  • Repair costs are more than its ACV
  • The damage amount meets a state’s total loss threshold
  • Damages exceed its pre-accident value according to a state’s total loss formula
  • The car can’t be repaired due to extensive damage
Totaling a car is a scary situation. But knowing the options you have once your car is deemed totaled can help. Through the AARP® Auto Insurance Program from The Hartford,1 you can get the seguro para autos coverage you need to have peace of mind knowing you're protected in the instance of totaling your vehicle.
 

What Happens When a Car Is Totaled?

driver enjoying a road trip knowing what happens when a car is totaledAfter an accident, you shouldn’t have to worry about what happens if your car is totaled. The Hartford has made it easy to get the help you deserve in a time of need. Just follow these steps:
 
  1. File a claim.
  2. After you’ve filed, a claims adjuster will inspect your car’s damage.
  3. Then, your insurance company will contact you about how much you’ll get in a settlement. During this time, you will want to clean out your car before you eventually release it.
  4. Finally, you’ll receive your settlement payment.

How Is a Totaled Car Covered by Insurance?

If your car is deemed a total loss by your insurance company, your insurer will give you a settlement. However, how much you receive depends on factors such as the type of car insurance coverage you have, who is at fault for the accident and if the car is owned or financed.
 

Financed Vehicle

If your financed vehicle is totaled, there is a risk the amount you receive from your insurance company may not fully pay off your car loan due to depreciation. That’s where can make a huge difference. If your car gets totaled and its actual cash value is less than your payoff amount, gap insurance helps pay the rest of your loan so you won’t owe money.
 

Leased Vehicle

Similar to a financed vehicle, if you’re leasing your car and it gets totaled, you will still have to pay your leasing company, even if you can no longer drive it. This is why it’s important to have protection for your vehicle.
 

How Is the Value of My Car Determined?

The value of your vehicle is determined based on multiple factors, such as the year, make and model of your car, mileage, prior accidents, depreciation and general wear and tear. Insurance companies also have proprietary data they use to calculate a car’s worth. Your actual cash value (ACV) is how much your car is worth at the time of an accident. After an accident, a claims adjuster will assess the damage on your car compared to its ACV.

Preguntas Frecuentes

A total loss vehicle refers to the near or complete destruction of your insured car. In terms of insurance, if your car is declared a total loss that means the cost of repair for your vehicle is more than the cost to replace it. It can also mean that your car cannot be repaired at all.

To prepare for the unexpected, it’s important to have proper protection. With total loss car insurance, you will have the coverages you need to help pay for a new vehicle if yours is ever declared a total loss. Typically, this refers to a policy that has both collision and comprehension coverages.
Total payout on an auto insurance claim means you will receive payment that’s equal to your car’s actual cash value at the time right before the accident, minus your deductible. So, if your car was worth $10,000 right before your accident and your deductible is $1,000, you will receive a payout of $9,000.
It’s important to have car insurance, and no lapse in coverage, because accidents happen even to the safest of drivers. If you total your car, your insurance company will help you every step of the way to get you safely back onto the road in your vehicle.
Insurance companies do extensive research to make sure they are providing you with the actual cash value for your totaled car. But if you think your car is worth more, you can always bring evidence for your representative to review stating the case for a larger payout.
 

Cover Your Car with Insurance From The Hartford

Since 1984, the AARP Auto Insurance Program from The Hartford has been protecting drivers and their families on the road. If you’re wondering what happens when your car is totaled but still drivable or other questions, we are here to help. Safeguard your car today by getting a quote online o llamando al 888-546-9099.
 
 
Última actualización: 8 de julio de 2024
 
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Los resúmenes de las coberturas y las características de las pólizas son únicamente para fines informativos. En caso de que se produzca una pérdida, los términos y condiciones reales establecidos en su póliza determinarán su cobertura.
 
AARP y sus afiliadas no son aseguradoras. Endoso pagado. The Hartford paga regalías a AARP por el uso de su propiedad intelectual. Estos cargos se utilizan para los fines generales de AARP. En la mayoría de los estados, es necesario ser miembro de AARP para ser elegible para participar en el Programa.
 
El programa de seguros para automóviles de AARP de The Hartford está respaldado por Hartford Fire Insurance Company y sus afiliados, One Hartford Plaza, Hartford, CT 06155. Está avalado en AZ, MI y MN por Hartford Insurance Company of the Southeast; en CA por Hartford Underwriters Insurance Company; en WA por Hartford Casualty Insurance Company; en MA por Trumbull Insurance Company; y en PA por Nutmeg Insurance Company y Twin City Fire Insurance Company. El programa de seguros para viviendas de AARP de he Hartford está respaldado por Hartford Fire Insurance Company y sus afiliados, One Hartford Plaza, Hartford, CT 06155. Está subscrito en AZ, MI y MN por Hartford Insurance Company of the Southeast; en CA por Property and Casualty Insurance Company of Hartford; en WA por Trumbull Insurance Company; en MA por Trumbull Insurance Company, Sentinel Insurance Company, Hartford Insurance Company of the Midwest, y Hartford Accident and Indemnity Company; y en PA por Nutmeg Insurance Company. El producto para viviendas no está disponible en todas las áreas, entre las que se incluye el estado de Florida. Los ahorros, los beneficios y las coberturas disponibles pueden variar y es posible que algunos solicitantes no sean elegibles. El programa no está actualmente disponible en Canadá, ni en los territorios o posesiones de Estados Unidos.
 
1 En Texas, el programa para automóviles está respaldado por Redpoint County Mutual Insurance Company a través de Hartford of the Southeast General Agency, Inc. Hartford Fire Insurance Company y sus afiliados no son responsables financieramente por los productos de seguros suscritos y emitidos por Redpoint County Mutual Insurance Company. El programa para viviendas está respaldado por Hartford Insurance Company of the Southeast.
 
* Los comentarios de los clientes son recolectados y tabulados por The Hartford y no representan a todos los clientes.
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