Dealing with a Total Loss Vehicle in Burleson: What Happens Next?
Dealing with a Total Loss Vehicle in Burleson: What Happens Next?
Hearing that your car has been declared a total loss after an accident is one of the most upsetting feelings. It’s not only annoying, but also disruptive to lose your ride in a booming city like Burleson, where many people depend on their cars to drive up I-35 or drop off children at Centennial High. But before the tension starts to mount, it’s critical to comprehend what “total loss” entails and what to do next.
Here are some things Burleson drivers should be aware of when their insurance provider declares their vehicle totaled.
What Does “Total” Actually Mean?
A total loss doesn’t necessarily mean your car is beyond repair—it means the insurance company has decided that the cost of fixing the damage is higher than the car’s value. In Texas, this usually happens when repair costs exceed 100% of the car’s actual cash value (ACV).
So, if your vehicle is worth $8,000 and repairs would cost $9,000, your insurer will likely total it out. This is more common with older vehicles or when there’s significant frame or structural damage.
What Happens After the Insurance Declares It a Total Loss?
If your car is declared a total loss in Burleson, here’s the typical process:
- You’ll Receive a Settlement Offer – The insurance company will determine your car’s pre-accident value, minus your deductible.
- You Might Get a Choice – In some cases, you can keep the vehicle under a “salvage title,” but the payout will be reduced.
- You’ll Sign Over the Title – If you accept the settlement and let the insurance take the vehicle, you’ll need to sign over your car’s title and remove personal belongings.
- Payment is Issued – Once paperwork clears, the insurer sends the settlement check.
Sounds simple enough—but here’s where it can get tricky…
How Burleson Drivers Can Get the Most from a Total Loss Claim
Insurance companies don’t always get it right when it comes to valuing your car. That’s why it’s important to do your homework. Check comparable listings in the Burleson area and surrounding towns like Joshua and Crowley. Be prepared to push back if the offer feels low.
You can also reach out to a shop like Silver Lining Collision for a second opinion on repair costs. Sometimes, a car declared a “total loss” by one insurer might be fixable—and if you keep the car, you can use your payout to repair it privately.
We’ve helped several Burleson customers navigate these conversations and make smart, informed decisions. You don’t have to accept the first number you hear.
What If You Want to Repair a Totaled Car?
If you choose to keep your vehicle and repair it, you’ll be working with a salvage title moving forward. That means you’ll need to restore it, pass a state inspection, and convert the title to “rebuilt” before it can be registered again.
It’s not for everyone—but if you love your car and the numbers make sense, it’s a viable option. At Silver Lining Collision, we’ve helped many Burleson residents bring “totaled” vehicles back to life, especially when parts of the damage are cosmetic or limited to non-structural components.
Need Help After a Total Loss? We’re Right Here in Burleson.
Dealing with a total loss is overwhelming, especially when you’re also worried about work, family, and replacing your ride. But you don’t have to figure it out alone. Whether you’re unsure about the settlement, thinking about repairing the car, or just want some honest advice, we’re here to help.
Give Silver Lining Collision in Burleson a call today at (817) 615-9575. We’ll take a look, answer your questions, and help you make the decision that’s right for you, not just what the insurance company wants.
