PriceProtect™
DriveShield™
GarageGuard™
Services
Insurance
Car Insurance
Compare Car Insurance with Jerry
Jerry’s Expert Advice
Car Insurance Estimates
Home & Renters Insurance
Renters Insurance
Repairs
Car Repair Estimates
Repair Estimates for Popular Services
Advice
Read Car Content
Browse Jerry Car Advice
Check Out Expert Car QnA
Learn About How We Create Content
Jerry Data & Research
Can I get a second opinion if my vehicle is marked a total loss?
I was in an accident and my insurance says my car is a total loss. It doesn't seem like that much damage and I'd rather just get my vehicle repaired. Can I request a second opinion?
Emily Maracle · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
“It can be frustrating when your insurance company doesn’t agree with you or declares your vehicle a total loss.
As your
car insurance
has the final say in determining if your vehicle is a total loss, you won’t be able to get a second opinion. However, there are some things you can do.If you want to repair your vehicle instead of receiving a payout, you may be able to negotiate with your insurance. Typically they won’t pay out the entire
actual cash value
of your vehicle; instead they’ll only give you a portion. You’re then responsible for completing all necessary repairs.Depending on where you live, you’ll have to register your vehicle as
salvaged
. Anytime a vehicle is marked a total loss but is repaired or rebuilt, your state’s DMV may require a salvage title. Another option you have is working with the adjuster on your claim. You can ask them to review the damage again and provide them with reasoning as to why you feel your vehicle shouldn’t be marked a total loss. You can see if another repair or auto shop may quote you lower for repairs.
Be sure to keep in mind that the actual cash value of your vehicle needs to be more than the repairs. If your repairs cost more than your vehicle’s worth, this would deem it a total loss regardless.
One word of warning: getting insurance (especially full coverage) for a salvage title is notoriously difficult. If you want to get the best deal on the coverage that you can get, try checking out
Jerry
. We’ll get you customized quotes from different providers so that you can choose the plan that works best for you. We can even help you switch providers. Saving a car you’ve loved driving can take a lot of work, but it’s worth it if you have a lot of sentimental value invested in it. Best of luck!”
View full answer
- Gregory R.
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance
You Might Also Be Interested
Read Advice From Car Experts At Jerry
What Others Are Asking
Browse More Content
Insurance in Your State
Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance
No long forms
No spam or unwanted phone calls
Quotes from top insurance companies