“My car is totaled!”
If you have been in an accident and your insurance notifies you that your car is a total loss, do not panic. The team at i.e. Insurance LLC has put together a guide with some helpful steps to take when a car insurance company totals your car.
All insurance companies are different when it comes to what is covered with a totaled car. Speak with an insurance representative so you can understand exactly what was insured when the accident occurred.
You may find that there are certain stipulations when it comes to a totaled car. Usually, the insurance company determines a car is totaled when the cost to repair your vehicle outweighs the totaled car’s value or when it cannot be fixed due to extensive damage.
When Your Car is Totaled by Insurance
Damaged in car accident vehicle on city street crash site.
If you have a totaled car declared by your car insurance company, it may be helpful to speak with a representative from the insurer directly. They can answer any questions that you have and help you understand how much of a totaled car insurance payout you will be entitled to. Keep in mind that car insurance companies do not pay more than the actual cash value of your car.
Give all the Details
When speaking with your car insurance company, provide all of the details about what happened in regards to the accident. This includes where the accident occurred, why, and who else was involved or affected – such as other drivers, vehicles, or pedestrians.
It helps to have everything documented. Make sure to get a copy of the accident report from the police. Provide photos of the damage to your car when you speak to the car insurance company. Collect receipts for expenses incurred due to the accident such as tow truck fees.
If someone else was involved in or affected by the accident – such as other drivers, vehicles, or pedestrians – make sure that these parties have been contacted regarding their potential involvement in the incident. This way they can provide more information when needed when talking with your insurer on what happened during the crash.
Getting a Rental Car
Once the car insurance company has totaled out a vehicle, you will have to find another way to get around. Most car insurance companies will reimburse rental car costs for a totaled vehicle, but make sure to check with your insurer when you speak to them about how much coverage will be provided. You can also take advantage of this time for an upgrade if it is financially feasible when a car insurance company totals out a car.
Finding A Replacement Vehicle
A rental car can offer temporary transportation, but in time you will need to find a replacement for your totaled car. Here are some tips when buying a car when your after your car is totaled by a car insurance company:
Obtain Estimates Before You Buy
If you have a totaled car, get an estimate from the auto body shop as well as another quote for a new vehicle. This way you can make sure that the cost to repair your old one will be less than if you were to purchase a replacement.
Consider Your Budget
Before you can purchase any type of car or truck, make sure that it fits into your budget! You will have to pay out-of-pocket when your car is totaled, but if the cost of repairing it would be higher than purchasing a new one you might consider an upgrade.
There are many factors that come into play when buying a replacement vehicle after yours has been totaled by a car insurance company. However, making sure to get everything in writing when speaking with your insurer – and keeping receipts for anything related to the accident – can help make this process smoother when settling claims on what happens when a car insurance company totals your car.
Take Your Time to Shop Around
When your car has been totaled, do not feel pressured to purchase another one right away. Take some time after your car insurance company totals out a car to search for the best deal available with your local car dealers. You do not know when an even better option might come along!
Remember to Keep Calm!
Totaling your car is not the end of the world. Vehicles are replaceable … people are not! With the right documentation and research when buying another car, you can get on with life in no time.
Have Car Questions? Turn to an Insurance Agency that Cares!
If you were in an auto accident and your car is totaled – i.e. Insurance LLC is here for you! Whether you need help with understanding how to handle car insurance or an insurance claim, our representatives are ready to lend a hand.
There are lots of insurance agencies out there who just want to make a fast dollar, but i.e. Insurance LLC is not that kind of agency. We are here to answer all your questions when your car is totaled and treat you like a human being.
Our team of insurance experts is here for you every step of the way so that you get back on the road as soon as possible while keeping all of your hard-earned money in your pocket.
Give us a call today at 724-719-2093 or contact us online. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have when your car is totaled by an insurance company.
