Total Loss Accident Process

A total loss auto accident can range from a disastrous collision to bumping a deer, depending on the value of the vehicle. Either way, a total loss accident is usually more complicated than getting a vehicle repaired. More steps are involved in closing a total loss claim. Knowing what to do after a total loss auto accident will speed up the claims process so you can get your insurance money fast. Do not allow insurance to tow your vehicle to a wrecking yard or auto auction prior to negotiating a payout suitable for you.

A total loss auto claim is not a claim you want to sit on. Total loss claims can sometimes take over a month to finalize and close. The insurance company plays a large role in the speed of a claim, however, you play a part in the speed too. The sooner you file the claim, the sooner the insurance company can start working on your claim.

If you think your vehicle has a good chance of being totaled, have it to our body shop. Your insurance will more than likely try to get it towed to the wrecking yard but that will slow down the process. We will be able to get you into a car rental immediately. We will provide your insurance company an estimate and will communicate back and forth with them throughout the process. This will sometimes involve several meetings with adjusters and several rounds of photo requirements. Instead of having to take off work to make these meetings we will take care of it for you at our shop.

Titles have a way of coming up missing right when you need them. Make sure you know where your title is as soon as you think your vehicle is a total loss. If you have lost your title, file for a lost title at the DMV right away. If your vehicle is a total loss, you will have to sign the title over to the insurance company.

Knowing how much you owe on your vehicle can prepare you in case your auto loan is greater than the current value of the vehicle. Hopefully, if you are underwater on your loan you have gap insurance or loan/lease payoff on your car insurance policy. Total loss claims are not paid out based on what you owe but on the actual cash value at the time of loss.

Researching the value of your vehicle is not mandatory. Your research gives you an idea of whether or not the insurance company is in the ballpark with its final payout figure. Investigate the value of your vehicle the following ways to determine its value:

• Check Kelly Blue Book for figures on your vehicle. Insurance companies do not base payouts strictly by Kelly Blue Book, however, the site does a good job at placing a value on a vehicle. For someone who is not familiar with car values, Kelly Blue Book is a convenient tool.
• Check similar vehicle listings in your area. Most insurance claims adjusters go through the same process by checking auto websites, newspapers, and dealerships in the area.
• Collect receipts of recent major improvements because the upgrades may factor into your final payout.

Total loss auto accidents can require quite a bit of paperwork. An agreement needs to be reached on the payout amount of the totaled vehicle. If you have a loan on the vehicle, you will probably need to sign a power of attorney document which will transfer ownership of the vehicle to the insurance company once the loan in paid off.

Sign your name exactly how it appears on the title when signing the power of attorney.  

Ask if you can fax the insurance company the documents from your agent’s office before mailing to speed up receiving your check.

Communication is the key for any insurance claim to run smoothly. Take it one step at a time and work closely with your claims adjuster. Make sure the insurance company has a good contact number for you and be available so you are not constantly playing phone tag. If you can survive a major accident which totals your auto, you can survive the claims process.