My car was totaled. Will the insurance company keep the car after it gives me a check?

In most cases car insurance companies declare a vehicle a total loss when the damage exceeds 65 percent to 70 percent of the car's market value. The standard varies among companies and in some cases is set by state regulators.

Usually, insurers cut you a check, send the car to a salvage yard and pocket the proceeds from a salvage auction.

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You have a couple of options if you want to keep the car. You could dispute the insurer's decision to declare the vehicle a total loss. Be prepared, though, to show evidence backing up your claim that the car is worth the trouble to repair it. You might be able to sway the insurance company if you can show a good track record of maintenance and mechanical improvements.

Or you could accept the insurance company's decision to total the car and still keep it. The company will pay you the market value for the vehicle, minus your deductible and the amount your car would have fetched at the salvage auction.

If you decide to go this route, you'll be in charge of arranging the repairs.

Should you keep the car? It's probably better to let it go if the repairs are going to make a big dent in your budget, or if you have any concerns about safety. Beware that some damage might be invisible, such as damage to airbags or cracks in the frame.

You also might face challenges when getting auto insurance quotes for collision and comprehensive coverage for a totaled car. Some insurance companies won't cover a car that's been salvaged.

For more, see the truth about 'totaled' cars: how to keep yours.