Being in a car accident can be a traumatic experience. Not only do you have to deal with any injuries sustained, but you also have to navigate the insurance process. One question that often arises is whether you can force your insurance company to total your car.
What Does It Mean to Total a Car?
When a car is totaled, it means that the cost of repairs exceeds the value of the car. In other words, it’s not worth it for the insurance company to pay for the repairs because the car is worth less than the cost of the repairs.
Can You Force Your Insurance Company to Total Your Car?
Unfortunately, you can’t force your insurance company to total your car. The decision to total a car is up to the insurance company, and they will typically only do so if the cost of repairs exceeds a certain percentage of the car’s value.
However, there are some things you can do to try to convince your insurance company to total your car.
Provide Evidence of the Damage
If your car has sustained significant damage, provide evidence of the damage to your insurance company. This can include photos of the damage, estimates from repair shops, and any other documentation that shows the extent of the damage.
Get a Second Opinion
If your insurance company is hesitant to total your car, consider getting a second opinion from another repair shop. They may be able to provide a different estimate that shows the cost of repairs is higher than your insurance company initially thought.
Consider the Salvage Value
If your car is totaled, the insurance company will typically sell it for its salvage value. This is the amount of money they can get for the car in its current condition. If your car has a high salvage value, your insurance company may be more likely to total it.
What Happens if Your Car Is Totaled?
If your car is totaled, your insurance company will give you the actual cash value of your car. This is the amount of money your car was worth at the time of the accident.
You can use this money to purchase a new car or to cover any expenses related to the accident.
The Bottom Line
While you can’t force your insurance company to total your car, there are some steps you can take to try to convince them to do so. Ultimately, the decision to total a car is up to the insurance company, and they will only do so if it makes financial sense for them.
If your car is totaled, make sure you understand the actual cash value of your car and how you can use that money to move forward.
