A: Common signs of a totaled car include critical damage to the front of the vehicle and body frame. Major fluid leaks are another red flag.
In some cases, a vehicle may appear fine, but it may still be considered a total loss due to significant flood damage.
While it’s difficult to determine whether a vehicle is totaled unless it’s obvious the damage will be too costly to repair, a visual inspection can help you determine its status. If it has the following telltale signs, then it could be considered “totaled.”
A totaled car or “total loss car” refers to a vehicle that’s impractical to repair because of significant damage. If the estimated costs to repair a vehicle exceed a certain percentage of its value, it is declared “totaled.”
On the other hand, damage is relative. A damaged car won’t always be a totaled car, but a totaled car will always be a damaged one. No matter how much damage a vehicle sustains, it cannot be considered a totaled car until it becomes cheaper for an insurance company to replace a car as opposed to just fixing it.
No, you cannot drive a totaled car. Not only would it be illegal in most states to do so, but it’s also extremely unsafe. Instead, contact your insurance company for options. More often than not, you’ll receive an insurance payout to compensate you for the damage.
Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.