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Can I keep my car after the car insurance company says it's a total loss?

Do I have to give the vehicle to the insurance company when they give me the check? I was in a car accident and the car insurance company deemed it a total loss. My question is, can I keep the vehicle?

Eric Schad · Updated on Dec 10, 2021

Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.

“In most cases, the car is given a

, handed over to the insurance company, and they sell it at auction to recoup some of their money.

If you contact them ahead of time, you may be able to hold onto the car.

The check you get will be the actual cash value before the accident minus the salvage value.

You might also have to pay for

to your location of choice.

But if you’re a gearhead or you want extra parts, it’s not always a bad move to keep the car with a salvage title.”

MORE:

How to Get the Best Totaled Car Payout

View full answer

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