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How does an insurance company declare a car to be a total loss?
An insurance company declares a car a total loss when the vehicle in question requires repairs in order to have it up and running again, but those repairs will cost more than the cars pre-accident value. With this method, you have to accept the given offer.
Your options: Keep the car and have it repaired
If the settlement money that you got from the insurance money isnt enough for you to go and get a new second-hand vehicle, you might want to keep the vehicle and repair it. The only thing here is the fact that is has been called a total loss for a pretty good reason. You will essentially be throwing money away.
Keep the car, but dont repair it
If your car is still running and is still safe to drive, you have the option of keeping the car and not bothering to make any repairs whatsoever on it. If it is legal to do so, and you wont be a danger to anyone, sure go ahead. Some of the damaged parts can be arranged second hand with a limited warranty, which will not harm the value of your vehicle anyways.
Make sure that you inspect the vehicle with the certified mechanic who does the warrant of fitness as well. If your vehicle is not roadworthy then you could be stopped by the traffic police anytime.
Part the car out and sell the parts
This is only an option if you have all the tools required, as well as a lot of space to do the work in and some skills and expertise. The fact of the matter is most people dont have these things. But if you do have these things you stand to make more money than you would if you just sold the car to a cash for cars company. If you dont have the necessary skills, expertise, and equipment, then forget about it because, with the lack of expertise & skills, it could be even worse to deal with the broken parts & accessories.
Take the money from the insurance company
If you choose this option, the insurance company is pretty much purchasing the damaged vehicle from you. If you were the one that caused the crash, you will get the money, but it will have your deductible subtracted. But if you want, you can negotiate. However, in this case, you lose the opportunity to get the quotations from anyone. You would have only 2 options: either accept the offered price or try to negotiate the cost based on the age and condition of the vehicle.
Sell to a Cash for Cars Company
This is the easiest and simplest solution to the problem of having a totaled vehicle of any description. Sell it to the reputed & local Cash for Cars Company. They will come to your place and haul it away for free while paying you for the vehicle and it will only take one day. Using this method, you might have a good chance of making better money compared to taking the money from the insurance company. The great thing about this method is that you dont need to worry about the towing charges.
