Total Loss Calculator

Determine if your vehicle is a total loss after an accident with our free calculator. By comparing repair costs to your vehicle's market value and state-specific total loss thresholds, you can understand your insurance company's decision. This tool helps you evaluate whether to repair or accept a total loss settlement. Explore more legal and insurance tools on CalculatorBolt.

Calculate Total Loss Status

Pre-accident market value
Estimated repair costs
Vehicle's salvage worth

Preset Scenarios

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How to Use This Calculator

Enter your vehicle's market value before the accident, the estimated cost of repairs, and its potential salvage value. Select your state to use the correct total loss threshold. The calculator will then determine if the repair costs exceed this threshold, which would classify the vehicle as a total loss.

Understanding Total Loss

A vehicle is declared a 'total loss' when the cost of repairs plus other associated costs (like storage) would exceed a certain percentage of its actual cash value (ACV). This percentage varies by state but is typically around 75%. When a car is totaled, the insurance company usually pays the ACV rather than authorizing repairs.

Example

For a vehicle with a market value of $15,000 in a state with a 75% threshold:

  • Total Loss Threshold: $15,000 × 75% = $11,250
  • If repair cost is $12,000, the vehicle is a Total Loss because $12,000 > $11,250.
  • If repair cost is $8,000, the vehicle is NOT a Total Loss because $8,000 < $11,250.

Tips for Total Loss Claims

  • Document Everything: Keep all estimates and communication with your insurance adjuster.
  • Know Your State's Laws: Total loss thresholds and regulations vary by state. Use the correct threshold for your location.
  • Negotiate Market Value: The market value is key. Research comparable vehicle sales to ensure your insurer's valuation is fair.
  • Understand Salvage Value: You have the right to buy back your totaled vehicle from the insurer for its salvage value.

FAQs

ACV is the market value of your vehicle just before the accident, minus depreciation and sometimes the salvage value. It's the amount an insurer typically pays for a totaled vehicle.

Yes, in most cases you can buy back your totaled vehicle from the insurance company for its salvage value. The insurer will then deduct this amount from your settlement.

You can appeal the decision. This usually involves providing evidence that your vehicle's market value is higher than the insurer's assessment or that repair estimates are too high.

The same principle applies, but total loss thresholds and valuation methods may differ for different vehicle types.

Disclaimer

This total loss calculator provides an estimate based on the information you provide and standard industry practices. It is not legal advice and does not guarantee how an insurance company will classify your vehicle. Actual decisions depend on your specific policy, state regulations, and the adjuster's assessment. Consult with a qualified professional for legal advice.

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Author: CalculatorBolt Editorial Team
Reviewed by: Legal/Insurance Specialist
Published: • Updated: