You didn’t think the accident was that bad, but insurance totaled your car. Hearing that your vehicle is “totaled” may be a total shock. After all, if your vehicle still looks drivable, or if you’ve invested hours and a lot of money in its condition, then you may also think your car shouldn’t be considered a total loss. The good news is that you have options if you disagree with your insurance company.
Here’s what South Jersey drivers need to know about insurance total-loss decisions—and what you can do if you disagree.
Key Takeaways
- Insurance companies may total your car if repairs exceed its actual cash value, even if it still looks drivable.
- South Jersey drivers can dispute total-loss decisions by reviewing the valuation, gathering evidence, and negotiating.
- Independent appraisals can strengthen your case when challenging an insurer’s payout.
- You may choose to repair your car under a salvage title, but professional repairs are essential for safety.
- Elmer’s Auto Body provides factory-standard repairs and guidance to help you make the best decision.
What Does It Mean When Insurance Totaled Your Car?
If insurance totaled your car, it means that the cost of repairs when added to the salvage value was greater than the actual cash value (ACV). Insurance companies calculate the ACV based on your car’s age, mileage, pre-accident condition, and current market value.
In other words, even if you think your car is repairable, the insurer totaled it because it’s not financially practical to fix it.
Why You Might Disagree with the Insurance Company
Hearing the insurance totaled your car may not seem fair. In fact, there are several reasons South Jersey drivers like yours may push back against a total-loss determination:
- You recently invested in new tires, brakes, or major repairs that increase the vehicle’s value.
- Your car is rare, customized, or in above-average condition.
- The insurer’s valuation doesn’t reflect the true local market price for your vehicle.
- You simply want your car repaired instead of replaced.
What You Can Do If You Disagree
If you disagree with the fact that insurance totaled your car, there are some steps you can take:
1. Review the Valuation
Obtain a copy of the valuation report. You can request one from your insurance provider. Look at how they determined your car’s value, including the mileage, condition, and comparable sales in your region.
2. Gather Your Evidence
Collect receipts, service records, and documentation of upgrades or recent repairs. Research local listings for similar vehicles to demonstrate fair market value. You will need to present this information to have the determination reconsidered.
3. Get an Independent Appraisal
Hiring an independent appraiser can give you a professional second opinion. This report may carry weight if you appeal the insurance company’s decision.
4. Negotiate with Your Insurance Company
Present your evidence and the independent appraisal to the insurance company and ask them to rethink the total-loss determination. Insurance companies may rethink their settlement if the documentation you provide is strong enough.
5. Consider Other Options
If insurance totaled your car and sticks with that determination, you may need to take another road. You can request to keep your vehicle under a “salvage title,” which will require you to pay for the repairs by yourself. If you choose this route, it’s important to have the repairs done by a professional auto collision repair shop like Elmer’s Auto Body. That way, you know your vehicle will be safe and compliant with inspection requirements.
Pro Tip
If you’re negotiating with your insurance company, focus on providing hard evidence—like receipts, service records, and comparable South Jersey vehicle listings. The more documentation you present, the stronger your case will be.
If Insurance Totaled Your Car, Get Professional Repairs Done
Professional repairs are important, especially if insurance totaled your car. Structural repairs, frame straightening, and advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) recalibrations require state-of-the-art tools and certified technicians. At Elmer’s Auto Body, we restore vehicles to factory standards so you can drive with confidence again.
FAQs
What does it mean if my car has a salvage title?
A salvage title means your vehicle was declared a total loss by insurance but has been repaired. It can be driven legally if it passes state inspections, though resale value is typically lower.
Can I keep my car if insurance totals it?
Yes. You can often buy back the vehicle from the insurance company and choose to repair it yourself.
Is it safe to repair a totaled car?
It depends on the damage. Repairs should always be handled by a trusted collision repair shop like Elmer’s Auto Body to ensure safety and proper structural restoration.
Repair Your Car at an Auto Body Repair Shop Like Elmer’s Auto Body
If insurance totaled your car, that doesn’t always mean you have to accept it. In New Jersey, you have the right to review the decision, present evidence, and explore other repair options if your insurance company doesn’t change their mind.
If you decide to keep and repair your vehicle, trust a collision repair center that puts safety and precision first. Elmer’s Auto Body has proudly served South Jersey drivers for decades, helping families navigate tough repair and insurance decisions. Contact one of our three South Jersey locations today to discuss your options and get your vehicle evaluated by our team.