Car Insurance What are the signs that your car is totaled? View Carriers Please enter valid zip Compare top carriers in your area By Insure.com's Editor | Updated on May 25, 2023 The page is part of the topic how to keep your totaled car 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. 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. Indicators of a potential total loss Severe structural damage – It can be challenging and costly if your car’s frame or essential structural components are heavily damaged. This can be a strong indicator of a total loss. Airbag deployment – When airbags deploy, it often means the impact is significant. Repairing airbag systems and related safety features can be expensive. Frame misalignment – If your car’s frame is bent or misaligned, it can affect its overall safety and performance, possibly leading to a total loss. High repair costs – If the estimated repair costs exceed the car’s value, car insurance companies are more likely to consider it a total loss. Age and mileage – Older cars with high mileage might reach the total loss threshold more quickly due to their lower market value. The evaluation process An adjuster inspects your car to determine the extent of damage. Mechanics provide estimates for repair costs. The repair costs are compared to the car’s pre-accident value. If repair costs are too high, your vehicle might be declared a total loss. Conclusion Identifying these signs can help you anticipate outcomes and respond appropriately after an accident. Severe damage, high repair costs, and safety considerations are key factors insurance companies consider when deciding whether your car is a total loss. In case you missed it Best Car Insurance Companies of 2024 Car insurance rates by state in 2024 What is full coverage car insurance? How much does car insurance cost for seniors in 2024? A complete guide to adding a teenager to your car insurance policy in 2024 What to do after a car accident that’s not your fault Total warfare: What to do when your auto insurer totals your car Car insurance claims: Who gets the claims check? Used car insurance costs: Most and least expensive models to insure The Best Car Insurance for Bad Credit of 2021 The best car insurance companies for speeding tickets Car insurance after a DUI Guide to car insurance discounts Proper insurance coverage for college-bound children How to read actually understand your auto insurance policy Car Insurance Companies New driver insurance grace period: What you need to know How much do insurance agents make Autonomous cars: 5 delightful and 5 distressing things Busted! Part 1: How insurance companies spot bogus claims Insurance options for rideshare drivers 10 things that are illegal but shouldn’t be 1/1 On this page Indicators of a potential total lossThe evaluation processConclusion Get instant quotes now ! Please enter valid zip Get Quotes