background pattern Home Page
  • HOME
  • GET A QUOTE
    • Homeowners
    • Automobile
    • Business & Commercial
    • Health
    • Life
    • Motorcycle
    • Recreational Vehicle
    • Flood
    • Watercraft & Boat
    • Dental
    • Pet Insurance
  • CLAIMS
  • LANGUAGE
    • En Español
    • English
  • RESOURCES
    • Refer a Friend
    • Insurance Glossary
    • Important Links
    • News Center
    • Consumer Services OnDemand
    • White List Emails
  • BLOG
  • ABOUT US
    • About Us
    • Our Founder
    • Our Management Team
    • Employee Directory
    • Privacy Policy
  • CONTACT
    • Contact Us
    • Location Map
    • Join Our Newsletter
postheader postheader postheader postheader postheader postheader postheader
Home > Blog > A Total Headache: What to Do When a Car is Deemed a Full Loss
FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013

A Total Headache: What to Do When a Car is Deemed a Full Loss

After the initial shock of being involved in a serious automobile accident has subsided, you must deal with your insurance provider regarding the repair of your vehicle.  No problem; that's what insurance is for, right? Another shock may be in store for you when the adjuster declares the vehicle a total loss, especially if the reimbursement payout offered to you is substantially less than what you feel entitled to receive.

The term "totaled" can mean different things, depending on a car's retail value.  A vehicle is considered a total loss if it will cost ¾ of its retail value to make the necessary repairs to restore it back to its condition before the accident. If the car is an older model, it may not take much damage at all for it to be totaled. A newer model must sustain severe damage—most likely from a front-end collision or rollover—in order to reach such a conclusion.

It doesn't happen often, but sometimes the payment offered is not enough to obtain a replacement that is suitable. You can take steps in order to make sure that your best interests are served.

  • You should know the value of your vehicle, including any dealer-added options or aftermarket accessories. Any receipts for accessories will be helpful. Several online sites offer help in making this determination, including the industry standard, Kelly Blue Book. Be sure to take the vehicle's condition and mileage into account.
  • Because vehicle ownership has additional costs, you need to add these to the replacement value calculation. Sales tax and motor vehicle registration and title fees are examples.
  • You need to carefully review the paperwork regarding payout before agreeing to the amount. Does it meet the results of your personal research? If not, give your research and documentation to the adjuster for reconsideration.
  • If you do not find the payout reimbursement satisfactory, it's time to involve your state insurance commission to see how totaled vehicle settlements are addressed. These agencies also have advocates who assist customers in reaching a satisfactory result. Your other option is to hire an independent appraiser and see how much money they say should be offered to you.

It may be possible for you to keep your totaled car. Your insurance agency could be convinced to deduct a salvage value from the payout, and you could use the remaining amount to repair your vehicle. This will require a salvage title, which will make your car illegal to be driven until it is repaired and passes inspection. If you need help in navigating the claims process for automobile accidents, consider calling us at 813-933-6691. Information is available to help in making the best financial decision. Call Adcock-Adcock Insurance today for all of your Tampa auto insurance needs.

Posted 3:43 PM

Tags: tampa auto insurance, tampa car insurance, auto insurance tampa fl, car insurance tampa florida
Share |


No Comments


Post a Comment
Required
Required (Not Displayed)
Required


All comments are moderated and stripped of HTML.

NOTICE: This blog and website are made available by the publisher for educational and informational purposes only. It is not be used as a substitute for competent insurance, legal, or tax advice from a licensed professional in your state. By using this blog site you understand that there is no broker client relationship between you and the blog and website publisher.
Blog Archive
  • 2015
  • 2014
  • 2013
  • 2012
  • 2011

  • insurance(29)
  • florida(25)
  • tampa(24)
  • tampa auto insurance(9)
  • home insurance(6)
  • health insurance(6)
  • auto(6)
  • tampa car insurance(6)
  • tampa home insurance(6)
  • car(5)
  • fl(5)
  • policy(4)
  • coverage(4)
  • life insurance(4)
  • auto insurance(4)
  • tampa business insurance(3)
  • tampa homeowners insurance(3)
  • car insurance(3)
  • tampa health insurance(3)
  • homeowners(3)
  • commercial insurance(2)
  • business insurance tampa(2)
  • flood insurance(2)
  • auto insurance tampa(2)
  • business insurance(2)
  • tampa insurance(2)
  • home maintenance(2)
  • tampa life insurance(2)
  • health(2)
  • car insurance tampa(2)
  • home insurance tampa(2)
  • exclusions(2)
  • homeowners insurance tampa(2)
  • business(2)
  • auto accident(1)
  • lawsuits(1)
  • tamapa business insurance(1)
  • disability(1)
  • health insurance florida(1)
  • adcock adcock insurance agency(1)
  • young drivers(1)
  • home insurance tampa fl(1)
  • commercial insurance tampa(1)
  • florida disability insurance(1)
  • tampa bay(1)
  • cfo jeff atwater(1)
  • actual value(1)
  • home valuables(1)
  • history(1)
  • liability(1)

View Mobile Version
 
  • logo
  • logo
  • logo
  • logo
  • logo
  • AmTrust Company
  • Auto-Owners
  • logo
  • logo
  • logo
  • CNA
  • logo
  • CNA Surety
  • logo
  • logo
  • logo
  • logo
  • logo
  • FCCI Insurance Group
  • Federated National
  • FIGO Pet Insurance
  • logo
  • logo
  • Foremost
  • Frontline Home Insurance
  • logo
  • Heritage
  • logo
  • logo
  • logo
  • logo
  • logo
  • Mapfre
  • Mercury
  • logo
  • Old Dominion/Main Street America
  • logo
  • logo
  • logo
  • Progressive
  • logo
  • logo
  • Safeco
  • logo
  • logo
  • logo
  • logo
  • Travelers
  • logo
  • logo
  • logo
  • United Property Casualty
  • US assure
  • logo
  • logo
 

Home Tampa Auto Insurance Blog About Contact    Privacy Policy
Adcock-Adcock Insurance Agency
315 W. Fletcher Ave Tampa, FL 33612 | Driving Directions
Office: (813) 933-6691 | Toll Free: (866) 933-6691 |  Fax: (813) 932-6287
Logo FAIA Trusted ChoicePIA of Florida Member
Powered by Insurance Website Builder
Social Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Instagram Blog Pinterest