Who decides whether a car should be totaled?

Question

I ran over a piece of debris on the highway and it dented both of the rims on the left side of my car. The next day, I took my car to the dealer to have the rims replaced. They looked over the car and found that more parts than just the rims had been damaged. I had intended to pay for the rims out of pocket, but after learning about the other damage, I decided to file an insurance claim. After I did that, I went to the Kelley Blue Book website and found out that the estimated cost of repairs is a few hundred dollars more than the trade-in value of my car in excellent condition (I would have described my car as being in good condition prior to the accident). Is the insurance company going to look into this and decide not to pay for the repairs, or is the decision to total it up to me?

Dan B · Accepted Answer

The insurance company determines if the car is to be totaled based upon the value of the car and the cost of repairs IF you have collision & comprehensive coverage.  Without that coverage, you're on your own.

StephenWeinstein · Answer

State law requires that the car must be totaled.  No one gets to "decide".  It is not your decision.  It is not the insurance company's decision.  The insurance does not decide.  You do not decide.

Because the damage is more than the car is worth, they must total the car.  It is against the law for them not to total the car.

Two Smoking Guns · Answer

So your car isn't worth much.

How much is your deductible?  

A guy from your insurance company will figure it out.

Kevin · Answer

Would be totaled but many companies will sell car to you for 10% of value if you want to keep. car would be retitled with salvage title

Jay · Answer

Insurance will total it

? · Answer

THE INSURANCE COMPANY 'S APPRAISER WILL.

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Who decides whether a car should be totaled?

6 Answers