Navigating the Aftermath of Totaling a Car: What You Need to Know

Being involved in an accident that totaled your car can be a stressful experience. You may be wondering what to do next and how to handle the situation. It’s important to know your rights and understand the process of dealing with a totaled car so you can make sure you get a fair resolution.

In this blog post, we will provide an overview of navigating the aftermath of totaling a car, including understanding auto salvage lots, junk car buyers, and other options for getting compensated after having your vehicle totaled. We hope this guide will help you navigate this difficult time more easily and confidently.

Call 502-804-5605 to Get an Offer From a Louisville Kentucky Junk Car Buyer!
Call 502-804-5605 to Get an Offer From a Louisville Kentucky Junk Car Buyer!

What is a Totaled Vehicle?

First, it’s important to understand what totaled means in the context of a car. A totaled car, or total loss car, is one that has been deemed with severe damage that would cost more to repair than its actual cash value (ACV). Once your vehicle has been totaled, you will need to file an insurance claim with your auto insurance provider. They will determine the actual cash value of your totaled vehicle.

What To Do With a Totaled Car

Once you have determined that your car is a total loss, there are a few options for what to do next. You can either sell it to an auto salvage lot or junk car buyer in Louisville, donate it to charity, or keep it as-is, depending on the circumstances.

Sell. If you decide to sell your totaled car, auto salvage lots and junk car buyers are two of the most common options. Auto salvage yards buy totaled cars from drivers in order to resell their parts or rebuild them for later sale. Junk car buyers purchase total loss cars for scrap metal. Both auto salvage lots and junk car buyers will typically offer you a lower price than the actual cash value (ACV) of your junk car, but it can still be a good option if you need cash quickly.

Donate. If you don’t want to sell your totaled car, there are other options available. You can donate it to a charity or keep it as-is. Donating your total loss vehicle may be a good option if you don’t need the money, as many charities accept totaled cars and will offer tax deductions for them.

Keep. Keeping a total loss car is an option if the damage isn’t too severe, but it is important to understand that driving a totaled car is illegal in many states.

Get Compensated for a Total Loss Vehicle

Navigating the aftermath of totaling a car can be overwhelming and stressful. Knowing what to do and understanding your rights are key to ensuring you get the fair resolution you deserve. We hope this guide has been helpful in giving you an overview of navigating the aftermath of totaling a car, including auto salvage lots, junk car buyers, and other options for getting compensated. 

Is your car totaled or totally junked? If so, trade it in for cash on the spot, then place that profit towards a new car! Contact GC’s Junk Cars at 502-804-5605 to sell a junk car in Louisville, Kentucky for an instant cash payout. We provide FREE junk car removal!

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Will Keeping My Totaled Car Reduce My Insurance Claim Payout?

After totaling a car, your thoughts are likely all over the place. From medical attention and financial responsibilities, to time of work, kids, family, and more, the aftermath of wrecking a car can be quite overwhelming. But the one thing you should not have to concern yourself with is your automotive insurance claim. When you signed your policy, you agreed to a specific pecuniary procedure in the case that your car is deemed a total loss after an accident or damage.

So, when you are considering the possibility of keeping your car after you total it, your insurance carrier should already have a plan for that option. However, keep in mind that there could be some financial disadvantages to doing so. Furthermore, it might not be an option at all depending on your particular insurance policy limits and restrictions.

Continue reading to learn more about keeping a totaled car and what it could mean in terms of collecting a payout through an automotive insurance claim.

Louisville Junk Car Buyers 502-804-5605
Louisville Junk Car Buyers 502-804-5605

What You Need to Know About Car Insurance Claims and Total Loss Vehicles

In standard automotive insurance policies, if a claimant with full coverage wrecks their vehicle, the insurance company will provide payment to repair the damages. If the insurance company decides that a claimant’s car is totaled, they will officially deem it a total loss, which means the cost to repair the damages exceeds the current cash value of the vehicle. In this case, the claimant with full coverage will receive a payout for its value, minus depreciation. In some cases, an insurance policy does not allow a claimant to keep a totaled car at all, and must physically surrender it to them prior to receiving a check.

If you wish to keep your totaled car, the first question you might have is, “Will I get paid less for it?” The answer is an unequivocal and resounding yes. This makes sense, otherwise insurance companies would have to operate on an entirely different business model. How much less you get from your insurance company will depend on several factors, which you will have to read in the fine print of your policy. Most often, it is at least 50% less, which is a significant deduction.

Where to Sell a Totaled Car in Louisville, Kentucky

Call GC’s Junk Cars at 502-804-5605 to sell a junk car in Louisville and its surrounding counties, today! We accept all make and model vehicles, regardless of age or condition! There is never a middleman, which means you walk away with more cash in your pocket. Furthermore, we will dispose of your vehicle according to all Kentucky EPA regulations. You can rest assured that your car will not have a negative impact on our environment. We also offer free towing haul away!

Louisville Junk Car Buyers 502-804-5605
Louisville Junk Car Buyers 502-804-5605