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 request that my insurance company mark my car a total loss?
I got into an accident and the cost of repairs is going to be $4,000. I have a $500 deductible, so my insurance will pay $3500. My car is worth about $7,000 and I still owe $6,000 on my loan. Can I ask my insurance to mark my car a total loss, or should I just repair and sell my car?
Emily Maracle · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
“While you can ask your
car insurance
company to mark your vehicle a total loss, it is unlikely that they will agree. Insurance companies have adjusters who evaluate damages during the claims process. If they have already agreed to pay out for the claim, they most likely won’t reverse their decision. It never hurts to ask, though!
Should they not mark your vehicle a total loss, you can opt to sell your vehicle as is or move forward with the repairs. Since your vehicle is worth more than what you currently owe, you would be able to pay off your current loan by selling it after repairs. This would allow you to purchase a new car without the worry of an additional loan or loan payment.”
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