A motor vehicle is considered a “total loss” if the cost of repairs plus any supplemental claims (such as towing, storage fees, and rental car expenses) equals or exceeds 75% of the vehicle’s fair market value prior to the accident.
How Is the Value of a Totaled Vehicle Determined?
If the vehicle is determined to be a total loss, the insurance carrier is required to pay the owner of the vehicle the fair market value of the vehicle prior to the accident. In order to determine the fair market value, adjusters generally base their offer on the book value of the vehicle for the particular geographic area. Adjusters may have some negotiation room to adjust their offer based on the condition of the vehicle and recent maintenance or repairs. Before you negotiate about the value of your vehicle, be sure to check the values for the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) as well as the Kelly Blue Book values. But keep in mind that the values listed for your vehicle should only be used as a guide. If there was preexisting damage to the vehicle, often, adjusters will take this into account and discount their offer accordingly.
Contact Our Personal Injury Attorney
We have helped numerous clients throughout North Carolina successfully settle their property damage and personal injury claims. If we represent you for personal injuries, we will assist with your property damage claim at no cost to you. Increase your odds of a successful outcome against the insurance company by contacting our dedicated auto accident attorneys at (919) 800-2000.