A serious car accident is stressful enough—but discovering your car has been declared “totaled” can bring even more questions and uncertainty. In Grun Law – What to Do If Your Car Is Totaled, the attorneys at Grun Law explain what does “totaled” really mean? Will your insurance company pay enough to replace your vehicle? And what are your legal rights if you’re not at fault?
Key Takeaways
- “Totaled” Means Not Worth Repairing – A car is considered totaled when repair costs exceed its value.
- Don’t Accept the First Offer – Always verify the insurance payout against your car’s actual market value.
- Document Everything – Keep all communication, photos, and estimates related to your claim.
- You May Be Owed More – If you weren’t at fault, you could claim for lost wages, rentals, or diminished value.
- Legal Help Makes a Difference – An attorney can help you get fair compensation and deal with insurance disputes.
If you’re facing these issues, the attorneys at Grun Law have you covered. In their recent article, What to Do If My Car Is Totaled: Expert Advice, they walk you through the essential steps you should take if your car is declared a total loss.
What Does “Totaled” Mean?
When the cost of repairs exceeds the car’s value (or a set percentage of it), insurers consider the vehicle “totaled.” This doesn’t always mean the car is unrepairable—it just means the insurance company doesn’t believe it’s worth fixing. Unfortunately, the payout they offer may not be enough to replace your vehicle.
Key Steps to Take After Your Car Is Totaled:
– Review the Insurance Payout: Don’t accept the first offer without checking whether it matches your car’s actual market value.
– Preserve Documentation: Keep photos, repair estimates, and the insurance company’s communication.
– Understand Your Rights: If the accident wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to additional compensation for lost wages, rental car costs, or diminished value.
– Consult a Lawyer: Legal advice is especially important if there are injuries involved or if the insurance company is delaying or lowballing your claim.
Grun Law’s experienced personal injury attorneys help clients maximize their recovery and hold negligent drivers and insurance companies accountable. If you or a loved one is dealing with a totaled vehicle, don’t go it alone—get trusted legal help today.
Negotiating a Better Settlement
If the insurance company’s initial offer seems too low, don’t hesitate to challenge it. Gather evidence of your car’s pre-accident condition, such as recent maintenance records, mileage, and comparable listings in your area. Submitting this information can strengthen your case for a higher payout. Remember, insurers are businesses—they may aim to minimize payouts, but you have the right to advocate for fair compensation.
What If You Still Owe on Your Car Loan?
If your car is totaled but you’re still making payments on it, things can get complicated. The insurance payout typically goes to the lender first. If the payout is less than what you owe, you’re still responsible for the remaining balance—unless you have gap insurance. Gap insurance covers the difference between what you owe and what the car is worth, which is why it’s a smart investment for financed vehicles.
Dealing with a Disputed Fault Claim
Sometimes, insurance companies may dispute who was at fault for the accident, which can delay your claim or reduce your payout. If this happens, it’s crucial to have a lawyer review your case. Grun Law’s team can help collect evidence, speak with witnesses, and negotiate with insurers on your behalf. Their goal is to protect your rights and ensure you’re not left paying for someone else’s negligence.
Visit Law Grun to schedule a free consultation and learn how they can help you move forward after a serious car accident.
What if the insurance payout doesn’t cover the cost of a new car?
You can negotiate the payout using evidence of your car’s market value or seek additional compensation if you’re not at fault.
Can I keep my totaled car?
Yes, but the insurance payout will be reduced by the car’s salvage value, and you may need a salvage title to keep it.
What if the insurance payout doesn’t cover the cost of a new car?
Even without injuries, a lawyer can help if the insurance company is underpaying, delaying, or disputing your claim.
