What is what happens when your car is totaled but still drivable?

When your car is totaled but still drivable, it means the insurance company has determined the cost to repair the vehicle exceeds its fair market value (or a percentage of that value, depending on state laws). However, it might still be operational. Here's what generally happens:

• Insurance Settlement: The insurance company will offer you a settlement based on the car's <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/fair%20market%20value">fair market value</a> before the damage, minus your deductible.

• Keeping the Car (Owner Retention): You have the option to keep the vehicle, even though it's been declared a total loss. This is often called "<a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/owner%20retention">owner retention</a>". The insurance company will deduct the vehicle's salvage value from your settlement offer. The <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/salvage%20value">salvage value</a> is what the insurance company could get for the car at auction or from a salvage yard.

• Salvage Title: If you keep the car, the title will usually be changed to a <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/salvage%20title">salvage title</a>. This indicates the vehicle has been declared a total loss by an insurance company.

• Repairs & Inspection: If you plan to drive the car again, you'll likely need to make repairs and have the vehicle inspected by your state's department of motor vehicles (or equivalent agency). Depending on your state, this inspection may be more stringent than a regular safety inspection. You may need to get a <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/rebuilt%20title">rebuilt title</a> after the repairs and inspection.

• Insurance Implications: Insuring a car with a salvage or rebuilt title can be more difficult and expensive. Some insurers may refuse to cover it, or they may only offer liability coverage. The <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/insurance%20coverage">insurance coverage</a> may also be limited.

• Selling the Car: You can sell the car with a salvage title. Be sure to fully disclose its history to potential buyers. The <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/resale%20value">resale value</a> will be significantly lower than a car with a clean title.