What are the signs that your car is totaled?

Why you can trust Insure.com

Quality Verified

At Insure.com, we are committed to providing the timely, accurate and expert information consumers need to make smart insurance decisions. All our content is written and reviewed by industry professionals and insurance experts. Our team carefully vets our rate data to ensure we only provide reliable and up-to-date insurance pricing. We follow the highest editorial standards. Our content is based solely on objective research and data gathering. We maintain strict editorial independence to ensure unbiased coverage of the insurance industry.

When a car is involved in a significant accident, there may come a point where repairs are no longer economically sensible or even possible. Such a car is often declared totaled by insurance companies. Recognizing the signs that lead to this conclusion can help you navigate the aftermath of an accident more effectively.

Indicators of a potential total loss

Knowing the signs that suggest your car might be totaled can help you prepare for the aftermath of an accident. Being aware empowers you to make informed decisions.

Visible signs

• Extensive damage to the car’s structure: Major dents or structural damage, especially in the car’s frame, can be a clear indicator. Such damage often compromises the vehicle’s safety.
• Airbag deployment: The deployment of airbags, while crucial for safety during accidents, also indicates a significant impact. The cost of replacing airbags can be substantial and may contribute to the car being totaled.
• Fluid leaks: Significant leaks of oil, coolant, or other vital fluids post-accident suggest under-the-hood damage that could be expensive to fix.
• Undercarriage and frame damage: Damage here can be severe enough to hinder the basic operational capabilities of the vehicle, leading to a total loss.

Technical and mechanical signs

• Engine problems: Post-accident engine troubles, such as failure to start or odd noises, are red flags that the car’s powertrain may be compromised.
• Transmission issues: Problems with shifting gears or a non-functional transmission post-accident can indicate severe damage.
• Inoperable wheels: Damage to these parts can render a vehicle immobile, often tipping the scales towards declaring it a total loss.

Economic signs

• Repair costs exceed the car’s value: This is a primary criterion for totaling a car. If the repair estimates come in higher than the car’s current market value, insurers often opt to total the vehicle.

Each state has its own threshold for what constitutes a totaled vehicle, generally based on a percentage of the car’s value. Insurance companies also have specific criteria for deciding whether to repair or total a vehicle. Understanding these can provide insight into the process following an accident.

The evaluation process

Once damage is reported, the insurance company evaluates whether the car is a total loss. 

An insurance adjuster will inspect the damage to the vehicle and gather details about the accident. This step may involve reviewing accident reports and vehicle history.

In some cases, the insurance company may require a professional appraisal to assess the extent of the damage more accurately. This appraisal considers repair costs, the value of the car before the accident, and salvage value.

The insurance adjuster will decide whether the car is a total loss based on the appraisal and company policies. State laws influence this decision, as do the car’s pre-accident value and repair cost estimates.