When is a Car Considered Totaled?

Hopefully, your car isn’t totaled, meaning it’s more costly to repair than it is to replace. Whether you’ve just been in an accident, or you’re reading this guide out of curiosity, learn the signs for how to determine when a car is totaled, and what to do if you’ve been in an accident. If you’ve been in an accident in greater Birmingham, you’re safe, and you need to tow your car to a garage, contact the Tuscaloosa Ford service center of our Ford mobile service team for assistance! 

What Are the Signs a Car is Totaled?

If you’ve had an accident near Bessemer, and you’re worried about the condition of your car, you may be wondering what the car totaled meaning is. Follow our tips for how to quickly identify when a car is considered totaled:

• If your car is pouring fluids, it’s likely totaled. 
• It may also be totaled if parts of your car are bent out of shape to the point that your view of the road is obstructed. 
• If your car is more than five years old and the frame is damaged, it may be more expensive to repair the frame than to replace the car. That’s because vehicles experience the bulk of their depreciation in the first five years, and frames are surprisingly expensive to repair. 
• On that note, if a car is old and has lost most of its value, it may be that even a minor repair exceeds its value. In this instance, it’s quite easy to total a car. 
• Regardless of how old your car is, it can depreciate significantly in accordance with the number of miles on the odometer. If your vehicle has high mileage, it’s at greater risk of being totaled. 

What Should You Do if Your Car is Totaled in an Accident? 

After a hypothetical accident, you’ll want to first ensure that you’re safe. If you even remotely suspect that you’ve been injured, wait for the paramedics, unless the vehicle is dangerous to remain in. Once you’re sure you’re safe, contact your insurance provider. 

They will provide you with a recommended service garage, but sometimes, it’s best to work with a third party like Tuscaloosa Ford to ensure an accurate insurance payout. After your vehicle has been inspected by a mechanic, the insurance agency will either pay for repairs, or deem your vehicle to be totaled and provide you with a payout commensurate with its street value prior to the accident. You can use this money to buy a new vehicle. 

Do You Have More Questions About the Car Totaled Meaning? 

Now that you’ve read our guide on how to identify when a car is considered totaled, if you have more questions, or you need help near Centreville, don’t hesitate to reach out to Tuscaloosa Ford at (659) 251-2964. And don’t forget to learn about a few of the reasons to work with Tuscaloosa Ford!