Lilah Butler, Car Insurance Writer
@lilah_c
Yes, a fender bender can total a car. A car is considered totaled when the cost to repair it is higher than the actual cash value of the car, which can be calculated by subtracting the vehicle’s depreciation from its original price. Basically the actual cash value of your car lets you know how much your car is worth after taking into account factors such as age, mileage, and cosmetic damage.
Although fender benders are usually considered small accidents, they can cause serious damage to your car. If you have an older vehicle model and a mechanic assesses the cost of repairs as being higher or equal to the actual cash value of the car, then your car will be declared a total loss by your insurance.
People also ask
When is a car considered totaled?
A car is considered totaled when the cost of repairing it plus its salvage value adds up to more than the vehicle was worth immediately before the damage occurred. A car may also be considered totaled if the cost of repairs exceeds a certain percentage of the vehicle's value, as dictated by state law.
For instance, New York uses a total loss threshold (TLT) of 75%, meaning that a car must be totaled if...
read full answerHow do you fight an insurance company on a totaled car?
You can fight an insurance company over a totaled car’s value by sending the insurer a counteroffer along with evidence justifying your car’s value. If the insurance company does not raise its offer, you can contact your state’s insurance regulator, seek arbitration or file a lawsuit.
How to Fight an Insurance Company Over a Totaled Car’s Value
- Receive a settlement offer from the insurance company.
- Gather evidence, including an independent...
Can an insurance company force you to total your car?
Yes, an insurance company can force you to total your car because state laws regulate when cars need to be totaled. Your only option is to negotiate with your insurer about the car’s value, as convincing the insurer to adjust the value might affect whether the car has to be totaled according to state law.
When an Insurance Company Can Total Your Car
Cars are totaled when the cost of repairs exceeds either...
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