So, you’ve been in a serious car accident. The first and most important thing is that everybody is safe. When the dust settles, you will have to consider how to repair your vehicle. In a serious accident, the damage is likely extensive. Now you have to ask, “Is my vehicle totaled?” In today’s blog post, the major collision repair experts at Cox Collision explain how to know if your vehicle is totaled and what to expect during the process.
What Is the Extent of the Damage?
In many cases, you can get a good idea of whether or not your car is totaled based on the eye test. If your vehicle has sustained serious damage, equal to or more than the value of the vehicle, it is likely that your car is totaled. Is there significant exterior damage? Did the airbags deploy? Is the engine no longer functioning? While some damage might not be as expensive as it looks, a crumpled car is very likely a totaled car, especially if it is an older vehicle or a used vehicle.
How Is the Damage Calculated?
Damage is calculated in a variety of ways. An estimate is the first step, which is done by at the repair shop, often by your insurance company. The damage estimate will be done by the shop, while a loss of value estimate is done by your insurance agency. There are several factors that will contribute to the estimate, including the type of car you have, the age of the vehicle, the condition of the car at the time of the wreck, and the parts that were damaged. These factors will be used to calculate both the cost of repairs and the loss of value.
How Much Will Your Insurance Cover?
With major collision repair, this is the most important question. Determining if your vehicle is totaled will come down to whether the cost of repairs will exceed the value of the car. If your vehicle is totaled, getting your insurance company to cover it will become more complicated. If your vehicle is totaled, you can look for a cash settlement, or you can attempt to salvage. Most people take the settlement, but that is only relevant if you have the right coverage. Collision coverage and comprehensive coverage are the most likely to provide substantial major collision repair protection.
Contact Cox Collision for Major Collision Repair
If your vehicle has been seriously damaged and you need major collision repair, Cox Collision can help. For more information on what we can do for you, get in touch with us at (417) 877-0077 or contact us online today.