When the cost of repairing a car exceeds the value of the car’s worth, the insurance company will declare the vehicle as totaled. An insurer may also declare a car a total loss if it cannot safely repair it. Arizona state considers a car totaled when the damage exceeds 70% of its current value.

Get in touch with the collision repair experts in Tucson for totaled car estimates. Cutting Edge Collision Center provides reliable automotive repairs with a warranty.  

What Happens When You Have a Totaled Car?

After totaling your car, you should file a claim to receive reimbursement for the value of your vehicle, minus any deductibles. Depending on how the car got totaled, you will have to select the type of coverage for the claim. For example, an at-fault accident requires a collision claim from your car insurance company. 

Other insurance coverage options include gap insurance and new car replacement. If a leased or financed vehicle gets totaled, gap insurance will cover the remaining balance owed. The new car replacement replaces a totaled vehicle with a similar new vehicle.

How Much Can You Expect from Insurance for a Totaled Car?

An insurance company pays the actual cash value of a totaled car. The actual cash value represents how much a car was worth before damage and takes into account the age, make, model, and condition. After you and your auto insurance company agree on a price, you will get paid. 

Can I Keep My Totaled Car?

Yes. You can keep your totaled car and pay for repairs yourself. The insurance company will deduct the salvage value of your vehicle before reimbursing you. Making your car roadworthy can take time, and until the vehicle gets fixed and inspected, it will hold a salvage title. 

What to Do After Your Car Gets Totaled

File a Claim

Filing a car claim takes time, so do it as soon as possible. Check with your insurance company to see if your policy offers reimbursement for rental cars, taxis, and commuter fees. 

Tow the Car

The insurance company may require you to have the car towed to a contracted garage. Technicians will assess the damage to the car and come up with an estimate for the repairs. Then, the insurer will determine whether to declare a total loss. 

Collect Documents

To receive reimbursement, you will have to provide the insurance company with your car’s title and bill of sale. If you cannot find the car title, you can request one from the DMV. 

Buy a New Car

After determining how much money you will receive from your insurance provider, you can start searching for a new car. Arizona law requires insurance companies to pay the sales tax on your new vehicle as part of the final settlement.

Expert Automotive Repair in Tucson

At the Cutting Edge Collision Center auto repair shop, we give you the best service available. That’s why we only hire trained auto repair technicians. Visit us to learn more about the cost of auto body repairs.

Contact Cutting Edge Collision Center today for collision or totaled car repairs. Call us at (520) 339-6901.