Total Loss Determination

How the Total Loss of Your Car Is Determined After an Accident?

When you’re involved in a bad accident, sometimes the damage to your car is so extensive that your insurance company will deem it a “total loss”. This means that it has been determined that the damage is so severe that it is not worth it to repair your vehicle but instead to “total it out” and pay you for the total loss of your car.

NADA

One of the methods that uses comparable vehicles, similar in make, model, and qualities, as yours to determine the value of your car prior to the crash.

Kelley Blue Book

An online tool you can put in the specific characteristics of your vehicle and obtain numerous replacement vehicle of similar make, model, and criteria like yours in your area.

Actual Cash Value

A difficult value to compute but factors that are typically used in the actual cash value are mileage, condition, wear and tear, upgrades made by owner and upkeep performed to keep the car in service.

Pre Accident Sale Value

If you you made upgrades, provide the receipts. Oil changes, tune ups, new tires, brakes, etc. will all be considered in the valuation of your car. If you didn’t save receipts you will need to provide other proof to show that you, in fact, did the work or made the upgrades you are claiming.

If Your Car Is Determined To Be A Total Loss

1

Get Your License Plate and Personal Effects From the Vehicle

2

Gather All the Keys

3

Get a Copy of the Title

4

If You Agree to the Offer Given to You, Provide All of These Items and Sign the Release to Obtain the Check for Your Car