You’ve probably heard the term “totaled” before when someone has referred to a damaged vehicle. If your car has been involved in an accident or otherwise damaged, it’s helpful to know what this term means so you can make an informed decision about how to proceed. Discover the meaning behind the terminology below and how options like recycling services can help you move forward. 

A Guide to Totaled Vehicles

What Does “Totaled” Mean & Who Determines It?

The term “totaled” is an abbreviation of the insurance phrase, “total loss.” When the damage that a vehicle incurs is so significant that the cost to repair it would exceed the total value of the car, it’s considered to be a total loss. It’s up to your auto insurance to determine whether the damage is extensive enough to be considered totaled. 

Typically, an adjuster from your insurance company will come and assess the condition of the vehicle. They’ll report their findings to the company, who will then reach out to you with estimate for repairs or with their determination that the car has been totaled. Depending on what your policy entails, you may receive a replacement vehicle or a check for the value of your vehicle prior to the accident. 

What Can You Do With a Totaled Car?

If you receive a check from your insurance company for the actual cash value of your vehicle, you may still be able to keep the car. Some states have restrictions as to whether the car can be kept. In Ohio, you can keep a totaled vehicle, but an insurer will not pay anything until you have received a salvage title. When you receive a salvage title, the car is legally unable to be driven on the roadway. 

If you believe the car is still salvageable, you could have the repair work done with your insurance payout and receive a rebuilt salvage title. This is only possible if appropriate repairs have been made, however. Oftentimes, it’s not financially worthwhile to pursue this option, with rare exceptions such as hail damage. On the other hand, you could take a salvaged vehicle to a scrapyard for recycling services, which may allow you to receive an additional payout. 

Some people choose to take a settlement value from their insurer, but that means you’d have to part with your car. Since the vehicle would be rendered undriveable anyhow, this option makes sense in most cases when a car has been totaled. Insurance companies then handle the recycling services themselves so you don’t have to worry about the process.

If you have an old or damaged vehicle that’s no longer roadworthy, turn to Phipps Auto Parts. This licensed recycling facility in Goshen, OH accepts full vehicles for recycling services and can even tow your car away for you. Schedule a pickup by calling (513) 722-2034 or find out more about their vehicle recycling online.