When is A Vehicle Considered a Total Loss?

By Gary Wickert | December 5, 2013

  • April 10, 2015 at 4:53 am
    vinsnoop says:
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    Armed with the VIN number visit the Department of Electric motor Vehicles internet
    site as well as execute an automobile search.

  • April 11, 2015 at 6:40 pm
    Robert says:
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    We were in involved in a hit and run accident a few years ago in my wifes 2005 Mercury Mountaineer. The Hartford sent an adjuster to the dealer and the repairs were made. A fairly smooth process aside from some issues with the repair shop. I knew an accident would devalue the truck. Well, we recently decided to try and trade it in for a new truck. Well, to my surprise, while performing the inspection this week, the dealer told us that The Hartford submitted a Salvage Title to the State of Texas! They refused to take the trade!!!! What is going on? The truck was not totaled! Not even close! We were rear ended. They replaced the rear hatch and plastic overlay bumper and painted. That’s it! At the time the value was around $12-14K I believe. We dropped The Hartford soon after the accident because they nearly doubled our rates but we were never told anything about Salvage! I’ve already emailed them and will start calling Monday. Is there any recourse or can we have this changed? If it was totaled, shouldn’t we have been paid out for the value? Any information would be greatly appreciated.

    Thanks much,
    Robert W. Rackley

  • April 11, 2015 at 6:40 pm
    Robert says:
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    We were in involved in a hit and run accident a few years ago in my wifes 2005 Mercury Mountaineer. The Hartford sent an adjuster to the dealer and the repairs were made. A fairly smooth process aside from some issues with the repair shop. I knew an accident would devalue the truck. Well, we recently decided to try and trade it in for a new truck. Well, to my surprise, while performing the inspection, the dealer told us that The Hartford submitted a Salvage Title to the State of Texas! They refused to take the trade!!!! What is going on? The truck was not totaled! Not even close! We dropped them soon after the accident because they nearly doubled our rates but was never told anything about Salvage! I’ve already emailed them and will start calling Monday. Is there any recourse or can we have this changed? If it was totaled, shouldn’t we have been paid out for the value? Any information would be greatly appreciated.

    Thanks much,
    Robert W. Rackley

  • June 9, 2015 at 9:36 am
    Tammy says:
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    I have what may be a dumb question. I live in Colorado where the total loss threshold is 100%. Do I still need GAP coverage?

  • June 13, 2015 at 6:15 am
    Nancy Montejano says:
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    My car was wrecked. Side frame bent in . How much r they worth as is?

  • June 13, 2015 at 6:20 am
    Nancy Montejano says:
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    I want to sell my car after someone had crashed it into something . Only side frame n a few things were damaged, but I don’t have insurance and I just dont have the money for it. Its a Mitsubishi lanser 2002.

  • June 14, 2015 at 10:48 am
    L. Jefferies says:
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    We live in Colorado. Our daughter was rear-ended. The insurance adjuster from the insurance company for the at fault driver has declared my daughter’s car totaled even though the estimate from the repair shop is about 50% of what the adjuster is claiming. The car is currently drivable, and most of the damage is body damage. The repair shop says they won’t touch repairers on a vehicle with a salvage title, and we are hearing that this is a common practice.
    This seems really arbitrary and unfair. Do we have rights regarding when a total loss is declared? Are there shops out there that will work on salvaged vehicles.

  • June 15, 2015 at 3:10 pm
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    Well – have one that is a bit “unusual”-client’s brand new 2015 Mercedes is rear ended by an uninsured motorist – damages are about $ 35,000- maybe a little higher. Car was purchased for $ 41,640.00 in Nov. 2014 – car is “still” sitting at the repair shop- it is now June 15th, 2915 – It is claimed that there is one part that is not available in order to finish the car (sure, a Mercedes?!!) -The insurer refused to total the car at their discretion – just what leg do they have to stand on in prolonging the settlement for this car – by the way – they pre-maturely made payment of $ 34,000. to the shop early on – I was just now made aware of this mess by our client and I am totally baffled by these developments. How can we “make” the insurer total this car ASAP? Our client is being interviewed by a major Network this week – by a Consumer Advocate. Unfortunately, I totally understand that ! What can I do to shake the insurer’s tree? Please comment-thanks !

  • July 17, 2015 at 9:07 am
    J merriwether says:
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    I need help to have my vehicle repaired not “totaled” the insurance (geico)
    wants to total the car which leaves me owing $7,000 to capitalone and no car or ability to get another car. Georgia is 80% tlv I just need to get it down a little so I can keep my car. Suggestios ? Getting an Attorney a help?

  • August 6, 2015 at 12:44 pm
    j holland says:
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    My vechicle has been repaired, but unknowing to the repair shop there are more damages that will carry the car to a total loss. The adjuster has now total loss the car. Problem is after paying for the repairs, there is not any money to pay me for my the ACV of my car. at faults ins wants me to claim on my collison, but my insurance won’t pay either because they say the other co should pay. What should happen?



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