Your Car is “Totaled”. What That Means and What’s Next

Your Car is “Totaled”. What That Means and What’s Next

The word “totaled” is actually a slang auto insurance term resulting from the phrase “total loss”. This refers to a vehicle that will cost more to repair than the actual cash value of the vehicle. For an insurance company, they will not want to repair the damaged vehicle due to the repair costs exceeding the value.

This most often occurs when there is front end damage that involves multiple quadrants of the vehicle including the engine compartment, engine, steering or if the frame is bent. It also occurs very often when flooding has submerged a vehicle to the floorboards or higher.

While an accident will cause immediate, visual damage, flooding will often render a car a total loss because of the long term damage that the water will cause to the car and its electrical systems.

So what happens if your car is “totaled” and what occurs next?

First of all, an appraiser will make the determination if the car is a total loss. This will be based on a variety of factors including age, mileage, condition and options the car has and the damage it sustained. Rarely will the amount a policyholder receives from their totaled vehicle allow them to purchase a new replacement. It should, however, be enough to allow them to purchase a similar vehicle.

If your totaled vehicle was in exceptional condition prior to the incident, or if it had extensive aftermarket improvements, be sure to let the insurance company know. This could impact the settlement amount. Once a settlement has been reached, the policyholder will receive a check from the insurance company and the insurance company will take possession of the wrecked vehicle. If the car has substantial personal or meaningful value to you, you can negotiate with the insurance company to maintain ownership, should you decide to have it repaired. You, however, would be liable for any repair costs above and beyond the settlement amount.

Declaring a vehicle “totaled” is rarely a win for either the insured or the insurance company. It is a way, however, for both parties to move forward in a way that makes economic sense.

Do you have sufficient coverage for your vehicle? Contact us for a no-cost automobile insurance review. Put our independent insurance agents to work for you in finding affordable auto insurance with the coverage you deserve.


Do you have questions about your insurance? Find an insurance agent near you with our Agent Finder

Search All Blogs

Generic filters

Buzz Your
Insurance Agent

Search for a local agent with our agent finder map.

Agent Finder

Want to learn more about our blog writer?

Read more about KayLynn's background.

Click Here

Search All Blogs

Generic filters

Read More Blogs

Step Back in Time: 7 Small Towns with Unique American Atmospheres

Discover America’s most atmospherically unique small towns.

Beyond the Bar: Customer Service Lessons from the Best Bartenders

Unlock customer service secrets from your favorite bartender.

Your Safety Net Has a Safety Net: Understanding the Life Insurance “Free Look” Period

Discover your life insurance policy’s “free look” period.

From Edsel to Yugo: Three Automotive Flops That Made History

The biggest blunders in automotive history.

Stay or Go? Why Improving Your Current Home Might Be Your Best Move Yet

Love your home, don’t leave it! Discover why improving beats moving.

The Unforgettable Eight: Women Who Captured Our Hearts

Meet the eight women who are loved by all.

Elevate Your Enterprise: 11 Smart Ways to Boost Business Professionalism

Boost your business’s professionalism without breaking the bank.

Lightening the Load: A Guide to Decluttering for Your Loved Ones

Declutter for peace of mind, yours and theirs.

Smart Car Buying: Beyond the Sticker Price

Unlock the hidden costs of car ownership.

6 Simple Steps to Supercharge Your Home Security

Simple, affordable ways to protect your home.