Is My Car Totaled or Repairable? Bob Moore Collision Center

Is your car totaled or repairable? It's hard to know at a glance. These terms are defined by insurance companies, and your provider will ultimately decide the status of your car after a wreck. While there's no single car accident total loss check you can perform on your own, there are warning signs to look out for. In the sections below, we'll help you look out for signs that your car might be totaled, while answering some of the most commonly asked questions on the subject.

How to Know if Your Car is Totaled or Repairable

It's not fun walking away from a wreck and asking, "Is my car totaled"? How to tell if a car is totaled varies on the type of car, your insurance provider, and the level of damage. A cheap car can sustain a fender bender and be deemed totaled, while a more expensive vehicle can survive more substantial damage but be worth enough to repair. While the final call ultimately lies with your insurance company, there are some warning signs to be aware of. Some ways to tell totaled vs repairable cars include: 

• Airbag deployment
• Severe body and panel damage
• Significant fluid leaks
• Damage to the frame
• Damage to your engine
• Old age or lots of miles
• Flood or fire damage

Ultimately, if the cost to repair is greater than your car's worth, the insurance company will deem it totaled, sending you a check to either cover a portion of the damages or to buy a new car. To learn more about total loss vs repair, visit Bob Moore Collision Center. 

Frequently Asked Questions

People have a lot of questions after a collision, and rightfully so! We've compiled some of the most common questions on this subject below:

• How do I know if my car is a total loss?

• Age, mileage, and the level of damage are all determining factors. While you can often tell by just looking at your car, if you're unsure, think about how much your car is worth.

• Will my car be totaled after an accident? 

• Most accidents will not leave your vehicle totaled, but high-speed collisions more often than not result in a totaled car. It's best to get a collision inspection to determine if your vehicle is safe to drive or totaled.

• Does frame damage mean a car is totaled?

• More often than not, yes. That's not the case for every car, but speaking broadly, a damaged frame is a standard indicator that your vehicle has been totaled.

• What does it mean when insurance totals your car? 

• A totaled vehicle costs more to repair than the car was originally worth. 

• Can I keep my car if it's totaled?

• Once the car has been totaled and you've received a settlement from the insurance company, you can pay an agreed-upon salvage value to keep your vehicle. 

• What happens if my car is declared a total loss?

• If your car is declared a total loss, your insurance provider should provide you with the fair market value of your vehicle, taking full possession of the totaled vehicle. At this point, you can buy a new car or pay the salvage value to get your old car back.

• Should I repair my car or buy a new one?

• In most cases, it's best to move on with a new car. If you're attached to the totaled car and would like to keep it as a project or for sentimental value, that is well within your rights. However, totaled cars take lots of time and money to restore.

Schedule a Free Collision Repair Estimate in OKC 

At Bob Moore Collision Center, we're here to help answer any questions we can. Our team of technicians is the most experienced and certified in the OKC metro area, and we're able to provide you with a same-day collision repair estimate at no cost. Schedule your appointment with us online today!