Insurance is a complex thing. The average person is not expected to know all of the terms and conditions, nonetheless the restrictions and limitations, of their auto insurance policy. So, after totaling your car, it is perfectly acceptable to have questions about your coverage and how much you might get.

Continue reading to review some frequently asked questions about total loss car value, including how total loss is determined by the insurance company, why your insurance payout might be less than your auto loan, your expectations when you still owe on a totaled car, and an easy alternative to earning fast cash for a totaled car in Central Indiana.

Total Loss Car Buyers Indianapolis IN 317-218-7133

Total Loss Vehicle FAQS

When it a Car Declared a Total Loss?

Insurance companies declare a vehicle a total loss in one of two scenarios: 1) the cost to repair the vehicle back to the pre-accident condition exceeds its actual cash value (ACV), also known as fair market value, or 2) the cost to repair the vehicle exceeds a percentage of its fair market value.

For instance, if your car’s actual cash value is currently estimated at $3500, but the cost to repair it back to its pre-accident condition is $4500, your insurance carrier will likely declare your vehicle a total loss.

If your state has a set total loss threshold, an insurance company will declare your car totaled if the cost to repair it exceeds a certain percentage of its actual cash value. For instance, if the state’s total loss threshold is below 60%, and the cost to repair your vehicle is more than 60% of its current fair market value, it will be deemed a total loss.

Why is My Insurance Payout Less Than My Auto Loan?

Sometimes after totaling a vehicle, an insurance policy owner will discover that their insurance payout is less than the original value of their auto loan. There are many reasons why this might occur. First, keep in mind that cars depreciate in value, even more rapidly after leaving the dealership. Other reasons why your insurance payout is not enough to pay off your loan is because 1) you do not have gap insurance, 2) you have a previously rolled over auto loan, or 3) an extended warranty was included in your car loan. In the third case scenario, you may be entitled to a refund on any unused warranty if you totaled your car.

Do I Have to Pay the Remainder of My Auto Loan After Totaling My Car?

Yes, you will be responsible for paying the remainder of your auto loan after totaling your vehicle. You can choose to pay off the balance right away or you can contact your insurance carrier and negotiate a higher payout. Although rare, your carrier may agree to cut you some sort of roll-over deal or new policy discount.

Will Insurance Pay Me if I Keep My Totaled Car?

If you want to keep your totaled vehicle after wrecking it, you likely can. Most policies do allow clients to do so. But beware; there is plain language insurance policy that revokes or lessens auto insurance payouts. Some automotive insurance policies will pay a client the actual cash worth of the totaled vehicle, minus any deductibles or fees owed by the client, and still allow them to keep ownership of their total loss car.

How Can I Sell a Totaled Car in Indianapolis?

The best way to sell a totaled car in Indianapolis is to choose a junk car buying company that pays cash on the spot. Many cash for cars companies in Indiana will send a check in the mail that sometimes never even arrives. Other auto salvage companies will pay in alternative forms of cash, such as money orders or checks. Receiving cash on the spot is the best way to earn a profit off of a totaled car. Be sure to also choose a company that provides free junk car removal so that you do not have any hidden fees deducted from your offer.

Are you looking for a responsible Cash For Cars Company in Indiana that can meet and exceed all of your expectations for profitable junk car selling? Contact Benjamin’s Junk Cars at 317-218-7133 to sell a total loss car in Indianapolis, Indiana for cash on the spot. We provide free junk car haul away, so all you need to do is call!