Totaled vs. Repairable
A vehicle is 'Totaled' when the cost of repair, plus the post-repair value reduction, exceeds the vehicle's pre-loss ACV — or in some states, when repair cost exceeds a fixed percentage of ACV. Otherwise it is 'Repairable' and the insurer must pay for repair.
Related terms
Total Loss Threshold
The Total Loss Threshold is the percentage of a vehicle's pre-loss value at which an insurer must declare it a total loss. Thresholds are set by state law (statutory) or insurance company policy (contractual) and typically range from 65% to 100%.
Constructive Total Loss
A Constructive Total Loss is a vehicle that is not physically destroyed but where the cost of repair plus salvage value exceeds the pre-loss value. Most total-loss declarations are constructive, not literal.
Need help with a real total-loss claim?
SecondAppraisal handles the research and negotiation for you. Our fee never exceeds the increase we secure.
Start Free Consultation