Thinking about keeping your totaled car
Through a vehicle title and total loss claims lens
You might want to hang on to a totaled car for parts, for sentimental reasons or to fix it. Let the insurer know before you sign the settlement. If you keep the car, the insurer will often subtract its salvage value from your payment. A lender may also have rights to the car or the settlement money. Ask for a written comparison of what you’d get if you keep the car and if you don’t. [1, 2]
Know what happens to the title
A total loss can change the car’s title or registration. Some cars can be rebuilt and inspected before they go back on the road. Others may be labeled nonrepairable. Don’t assume you can drive a repaired car under its old registration. Ask your motor vehicle agency which certificate, inspection and fees apply. [2, 3]
Add up the full cost
Count the salvage deduction, safe storage, transport, repairs, inspections and insurance. Ask a qualified repairer if the damage can be fixed by following the carmaker’s procedures. A salvage history may make it harder to insure or sell the car later. A cheap price for the wreck can mask a high total cost. [2, 3]
Close out the deal carefully
Confirm where the car is and who will release it. Find out when storage fees stop or shift to you. If you still have a loan on the car, ask the lender if it allows you to keep it. Also ask how the settlement money will be applied. Keep the valuation, the salvage deduction, title forms and release papers. [1, 2]
Ask before you agree
- How much lower will my settlement be if I keep the car?
- Is this car allowed back on the road here?
- What will the lender require, and what will the insurer require?
Get two numbers and a title answer
Sources and further reading
- 1Washington insurance commissioner, keeping a totaled vehicle
- 2Texas Department of Insurance, total loss choices
- 3California DMV, registering a revived salvage vehicle
The content here is general education from title and claims viewpoints. Rules on salvage, nonrepairable status, registration and insurance vary by place. Talk with the insurer, lender and motor vehicle agency before you decide.
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