What Happens When Your Car Is Totaled But Still Drivable​?

Now, let’s just assume that you just had an accident, and your car was damaged, but it is still in a condition where you can drive it home. And then you receive a call from your insurance company, and they told you that your car was totaled. You may say to yourself, "Wait a minute, how can they say that? My car was not destroyed at all." 

There are many people out there who do not really understand what it means for their car to be totaled. Thankfully, we’re going to cover everything you need to know today. If you have an Audi, for example, your understanding then means you can get your Audi repaired at Arrowhead Imports while aware of your options and what’s happening!

What Does It Mean for a Car to Be Totaled?

If your insurance company told you that your car was totaled, it does not mean that your car was necessarily destroyed in any way. It just means they do not see it as worth it for them to make any repairs on your car. If your car was totaled, it means the repairs for your car are more than 70% to 80% of its actual cash value. Many people ask, can you drive a totaled car? The answer often depends on the extent of the damage and local laws.

Let’s just assume that your actual cash value is $10,000, and the repairs for your car is $8,000. It means your car was totaled because they would rather give you your actual cash value than perform repairs.

Why Totaled Cars Can Still Be Drivable

The kind of repair work your car needs could end up being very expensive, not just because you are going to end up paying for your car’s aesthetic repair, but also because you could end up having to pay for repairing your car’s structure, as well as parts of your car, which are very expensive. 

Your car is totaled but still drivable when it has a bumper that is damaged, your car has damaged frame rails, and perhaps your airbags went off. In this case, you may wonder why the insurance company is not paying to have your car repaired, considering it is running perfectly well.

Keeping Your Totaled Car with a Salvage Title

If you want to continue driving your totaled car, then you can do just that with a salvage title. You will then be given the difference after the insurance provider subtracts the value of your salvaged car from your insurance money. You should, however, note that if you decide to keep your car with a salvage title, it could end up affecting your car’s resale value. 

Also, note that you may not get full coverage if your car is a rebuilt car. If you choose this route, make sure your car passes state inspection before you can go ahead and start driving your car again.

Financial Issues with Your Totaled Vehicle

Before you make any decision on what you should do with your car, there are some financial issues that you have to consider first. You have to compare the amount of money given to you with your insurance pay-out and the amount of money it actually costs you to repair your car. There are occasions when, after you get an evaluation of the damages, you may not even be aware of the extent of the problems with your car, as they may not be visible to the eye. What may appear to be an easy repair may turn out to be very costly.

There have been many different situations where people have decided to try and make some repairs on their drivable totaled cars, and they have found out that there are other issues with the car that they were not aware of to begin with. There is the possibility for water damage, electrical problems, and structural problems with a car, and they are not necessarily visible on the surface of the vehicle.

How We Can Help

If you are trying to figure out what you would like to do with your totaled car, you might wonder, can you fix a totaled car? We can certainly assist you in coming to a decision about what you would like to do with your car at Arrowhead Imports. We are an auto repair shop, and we can assist you in figuring out what type of repair your vehicle needs, and this can help you make a decision about whether or not it would be best for you to keep the vehicle or get an insurance settlement for it.

If you are worried about the salvage title, we can assist you with this problem, and we can help you in navigating the inspection and certification process that you are going to have to go through. It’s time to make an informed decision! 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Fix A Totaled Car?

Yes, a totaled car can sometimes be repaired depending on the extent of the damage. If the vehicle can meet safety standards and pass inspections, it may be restored to a drivable condition with the right parts and expertise. At Arrowhead Imports, we can assist with quality parts and professional support to help bring your vehicle back to a usable condition.

Can A Totaled Car Be Repaired And Reused?

Yes, but it depends on the extent of damage. Repairs must meet safety standards, and in some regions, the vehicle must pass a government inspection before being roadworthy again.

Can I Keep Driving A Totaled Car?

Yes, in many cases, you can still drive it if it’s safe and legally registered. However, you must ensure it meets safety standards and complies with local regulations.

What Are The Risks Of Driving A Totaled Car?

Even if a totaled car is drivable, it may have hidden structural damage and compromised safety systems. This can lead to a higher risk of breakdowns and reduced protection in the event of another accident.

Does A Totaled Car Affect Resale Value?

Yes, a totaled or salvage title vehicle typically has a significantly lower resale value. It can also be more difficult to sell and may face limited insurance options compared to a clean-title vehicle.