Is My Car Totaled? Here's How to Tell (Before the Insurance Company Calls)
You just got into an accident. Maybe it's a dented bumper, maybe something more serious. A tow truck driver mutters, "They might total it." Now you're staring at your car, wondering:Is it really totaled? And what does that even mean?
Let's break it down in plain English.
What Does "Totaled" Actually Mean?
When a car is "totaled," it means the cost to repair it is too high compared to its value. Insurers will typically total your vehicle if the repair cost exceeds 70–80% of the car's actual cash value (ACV).
Example Scenario:
What Factors Affect This Decision?
Here's what insurance companies look at:
| Factor | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Car's Actual Cash Value | This is what your car was worth right before the accident. If the repairs cost more than 70–80% of this value, the car will likely be totaled. |
| Estimated Repair Costs | The higher the cost of parts, labor, and paint — especially for hidden or structural damage — the more likely your car crosses the "total loss" threshold. |
| Salvage Value | This is what the insurer can recover by selling your damaged car to a junkyard. If it has high salvage value, they're more likely to total it. |
| State Laws & Thresholds | Some states have legal rules. For example, in Michigan the threshold might be 75%, while in Texas it's 100%. This can affect whether the insurer can total your car. |
Can You Estimate This Yourself?
Yes — kind of. Here's how:
- Find your car's value on Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, or Carvana.
- Get a repair estimate (this is where we can help).
- Compare the numbers:
Quick Rule of Thumb:
If repairs cost 70–80% or more of your car's value, it's likely to be declared a total loss.
Why Use CarAid for a Repair Estimate?
Waiting on the shop or your insurer can take days, sometimes longer.
CarAid gives you a free ballpark estimate in less than 24 hours, just from your photos. No pressure, no spam, just a real-world price range you can use to:
Plan your next move
Talk to shops with confidence
Push back on lowball offers
Upload your photos now and get your free estimate.
Get Your Free EstimateWhat If My Car Is Totaled?
If your insurance company decides your car is a total loss, don't panic. Here's what happens and what you can do:
1. Accept the Insurance Payout
The insurer will offer you the Actual Cash Value (ACV) of your car, basically what it was worth right before the accident.
This payment is meant to help you buy a replacement vehicle.
If you owe money on a car loan, the payout may go to your lender first.
👉 Tip: Do your own research (KBB, Carvana, Edmunds) to make sure their offer is fair. You can negotiate if it feels too low — especially with documentation like a CarAid estimate or comparable listings.
2. Keep the Car ("Owner Retain" or "Buyback")
You can sometimes keep your totaled car, especially if the damage is mostly cosmetic or fixable on a budget.
The insurance company deducts the salvage value (what they would have made selling it to a junkyard) from your payout.
You'll receive a salvage title, which can affect resale, registration, and insurance down the line.
👉 Good option if you love the car, want to repair it yourself, or don't mind driving something "branded."
3. Dispute or Appeal the Total Loss Decision
If you believe your car shouldn't be totaled or the offer is unfair, you can:
- Ask how the value was calculated
- Show higher valuations from multiple sources
- Share a third-party estimate (like CarAid) to support your case
👉 Remember: You're not required to accept the first number they give you. Be polite but firm — claims reps can revise numbers if the evidence is strong.
Final Thoughts
Getting in an accident is stressful. Not knowing whether your car is fixable or a total loss makes it worse.
Use these simple steps to get clarity faster:
Let us help you take the guesswork out of it
Get a free estimate
CarAid Team
Car repair experts