9 Signs Your Car is a Total Loss After an Accident

Wondering if your car is totaled after a crash? If the cost to fix the damage exceeds the vehicle’s actual cash value, or ACV, it very well could be. (As a general rule, insurance companies, utilizing a Total Loss Formula, may refuse to cover autobody repairs that cost more than 50% to 80% of your vehicle’s ACV.)

But that begs yet another question: When is a car considered totaled? About 25% of all car crashes will result in a total loss, but let’s take a look at some of the most common signs your car is totaled after getting into an accident.

1. Fluids Leaking

Any damage to a fluid system or tank may result in a salvage claim, though this will depend on the extent of damage and type of fluid affected. A cracked windshield wiper fluid reservoir, for instance, is not as significant as a broken oil pan and pump system.

Some of the more essential vehicle fluids include:

• Antifreeze
• Brake
• Coolant
• Engine or motor oil
• Power steering
• Transmission
• Windshield washer

It’s important to note that any excessive fluid leak warrants a trip to an auto body shop near you. There’s a high probability that multiple reservoirs and systems have been damaged, oftentimes beyond repair.

2. Significant Front-End Damage

Getting rear-ended at a stop sign is less likely to result in a total loss; that person who rear-ended you, however, is in for a world of “salvage title” hurt.

About 80% of a vehicle’s essential components are located in and around the engine compartment. A frontal or head-on collision at a moderate speed of just 30 mph will activate crumple zones (or crush zones), which is when internal damage to engines, steering systems, gearboxes and other components usually occurs.

3. Severely Bent or Damaged Frame

Extensive damage to your vehicle’s frame is very expensive to repair. If you notice any of these signs of car frame damage after a collision, it’s a safe bet that your insurance company will total your vehicle:

• Visibly bent
• Cracks on frame components
• Damaged suspension
• Metal-on-metal sounds when in motion
• Tires severely misaligned

Bent frames aren’t always evident at first glance. Poorly tracking wheels, misaligned tires and replacement parts that don’t fit properly can be indicative of a damaged frame, though they could also be caused by less serious problems. You may not know the extent of the damage until it’s in the repair shop.

4. The Engine Won’t Start

A non-working engine is typically a bad sign after a crash. This could mean anything from severe engine damage to a loosened belt, but if there is any visible structural or mechanical damage, it’s probably the former.

5. Your View is Obstructed

Automotive components that are warped or damaged badly enough to block a driver’s view could be a problem. Bent fenders and grilles, hoods that won’t close, or any interior part that’s found a new home on the outside are due to more severe—and expensive-to-repair—damage.

6. Deployed Airbags

Although not always true, a car accident that results in airbag deployment may be too costly for insurers to cover. This is partly because airbag replacement service, and the airbags themselves, can be thousands of dollars, depending on vehicle make and model. Replacing airbags on an older car may be cost prohibitive, especially if there is any body damage to fix, but every auto insurance agency will differ.

7. Fire or Flood

Your car isn’t totaled until insurance says it is. However, if a collision caused your vehicle to catch fire, it’s almost a guarantee that it will be marked as a total loss. If the vehicle was submerged in water, is also safe to say that it will be flood- or water-damaged.

8. Your Car’s Old

Everything comes down to age. Your vehicle’s ACV will be determined by its current, nondamaged resale price. If your car is older—7-10 years is a good cutoff—and has lots of miles on its odometer, it’s already seen most of its value depreciated. Any moderate or significant autobody repairs will likely cost too much for insurance to cover.

This is one major reason why buying a new or certified pre-owned vehicle is such a good investment. In the event of a collision, the risk of your car being a total loss is lower. Just 2% of new vehicles (4 years or newer) are declared total losses, compared to over 13% of vehicles 8-plus years or older.

9. Determined by Your State’s Total Loss Threshold

How do adjusters determine if a car is totaled? Each state has their own laws in place for automobile total loss thresholds. Insurers use these laws to identify when a car repair would cost more than paying for a replacement vehicle.

In Kansas, the Total Loss Threshold is set at 75%, meaning collision repairs must not cost more than 75% of the vehicle’s current fair market value.

In Missouri, the Total Loss Threshold is 80%.

Other states, like Illinois, allow insurers to calculate amounts follow a total loss formula to identify a vehicle’s salvage value, then compare that to the cost of repairs. If the salvage value is lower than the price for autobody work, the vehicle will be a total loss.

Want to know what your state’s automobile total loss threshold is? Click here.

What to do When Your Car is Totaled

So, what happens when your car is totaled by insurance? You’ll need to go through the necessary steps in order to get your claim settled and back on the road.

1. File your claim
2. Have an adjuster assess the damage
3. Request a tow to and get an estimate from a good auto body shop near you
4. Get a rental vehicle
5. Put together all your paperwork, including vehicle title, receipts for aftermarket accessories, previous repair invoices, etc.
6. Know your vehicle’s fair market value or actual cash value
7. Contact your lender, if needed (and don’t forget your GAP insurance!)
8. Negotiate claims if your vehicle’s assessed ACV or market value is too low
9. Collect belongings from salvaged car
10. Hire a lawyer if laws were broken and/or to pay for excess hospital bills
11. Shop for a new or newer vehicle

Additionally, you can also choose to keep your vehicle, though it’s not usually recommended. A vehicle that has a “salvage” title is worth diddlysquat unless it’s a very rare, high-end or valuable model. Speak with your insurer for more details about your options.

Need Autobody Repair in Kansas City?

Whether you got t-boned or hit a deer, bring your vehicle to McCarthy Collision Centers for a free collision repair estimate! We have autobody shops in Olathe, Overland Park, Blue Springs and Lee’s Summit. As a McCarthy customer, you’ll also receive assistance with your insurance claims.

Contact 1-800-NEW-AGAIN to request a tow or contact a McCarthy body shop near you.

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