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A total loss after a car accident: What it means

If you've ever gotten into a car accident, you know just how rare - and lucky - it is to walk or drive away with no damage to your vehicle. Whether it's a simple fender bender that leaves some paint damage or a serious wreck that leaves your Orlando Toyota in bad shape, damage after a car accident is basically (and unfortunately) a given.


However, what happens if the damage is so bad that your car is a total loss? Toyota of Orlando's body shop experts are here to explain what a total loss is and what you can do about it after a collision - read on.


Orlando Toyota body shop tips

What is a total loss?


First, let's discuss what a total loss is. In car insurance-speak, this is when the amount that it will cost to repair your vehicle and restore it to its former condition is more than the vehicle's current cash value. Basically, it's going to cost more than what your car is worth to fix it, so you're better served junking your old ride and using the money to put a down payment on a new car instead.


How do car insurance companies decide if your car is a total loss or not after a car accident? Well, they have to decide how much your car is worth before they can determine a total loss valuation. They all use pretty similar criteria - here are the two main tools they utilize when determining your car's current cash value.


NADA: The National Automotive Dealers Association uses certain criteria like model year, mileage, and general condition (among others) to determine how much your car is worth. Quite a few dealers use this tool to determine a trade's worth when someone wants to sell them their car.


KBB: Kelley Blue Book is similar to the NADA and uses the same type of criteria to determine how much your car is worth. It's another tool that's often used by dealers.


So, what steps should you take if your car is determined to be a total loss by the car insurance adjuster after an accident? Basically, they're going to seize your vehicle so they can scrap it and they're going to offer you a cash payout that you can use on your next vehicle. However, here are a few things to keep in mind about the process:


You don't necessarily have to agree with the value they assign to your car and can try to negotiate its value, or even flat-out refuse the money if you think it's too low.

You can also negotiate how fast you'll get the payout if you're in need of a new car now.

If you have a lot of aftermarket parts and accessories on the vehicle, it's smart to find the receipts and tally them up. That way you can see if the value assigned by the car insurance company is accurate and also argue your case with the receipts if it's not.


Schedule auto repairs after an accident at Toyota of Clermont!


Have questions about a total loss or need repairs after a car accident on your Orlando Toyota? Call us or stop by! Toyota of Orlando is open and waiting at 3575 Vineland Road. You can reach our Toyota Body Shop at (407) 298-6006.

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