Handling a Total Loss Claim in Carrollton, TX
Handling a Total Loss Claim After an Accident in Carrollton, TX
You’ve been in an accident in Carrollton—maybe a collision near Trinity Mills or a bad hit along Old Denton Road. The damage looks severe, but your car still runs. Then the insurance adjuster calls: “Your vehicle is a total loss.” Now what?
At Silver Lining Collision, we guide Carrollton drivers through this situation all the time. Whether your car is truly totaled or you’re not sure the decision makes sense, here’s what you need to know about total loss claims, how to protect your value, and what to do next.
What Does “Total Loss” Mean?
When an insurance company declares a vehicle a total loss, it means the cost to repair the vehicle exceeds its value—usually around 70%–80% of the vehicle’s actual cash value (ACV).
So even if your car still runs and the damage seems fixable, insurers may choose to cut a check instead of repairing it.
How Insurance Companies Calculate Total Loss
In Carrollton, most insurers base their decision on:
- Pre-accident market value (based on your car’s year, make, model, mileage, and condition)
- Estimated repair cost (including labor, parts, paint, and supplemental damage)
- Rental and administrative costs
- Whether the vehicle will be safe and roadworthy after repairs
If repairs are too close to—or higher than—the vehicle’s value, they’ll likely write it off as a total.
What Are Your Options?
Once your car is deemed a total loss, you typically have three choices:
- Accept the Settlement
The insurer pays you the ACV minus your deductible. You surrender the vehicle, and the insurance company handles the salvage.
- Negotiate the Value
You have the right to challenge the payout amount. Gather recent sales of comparable vehicles in Carrollton, maintenance records, and photos of upgrades or condition to support your case.
We can also provide repair documentation or value estimates to help you get a fairer offer.
- Keep the Vehicle (Buy Back)
If you want to keep your “totaled” car:
- You’ll receive a reduced payout
- The car will likely get a salvage or rebuilt title
- You may need to pass a state inspection before you can drive it again
- You’ll be responsible for all repairs
This can be a good option if the damage is mostly cosmetic and you plan to fix it yourself or drive it without restoring it to perfect condition.
What to Watch Out For
In Texas, insurers must follow clear guidelines—but mistakes happen. Be cautious of:
- Low-ball valuations based on outdated or out-of-area comps
- Pressure to sign paperwork quickly
- Lack of clarity around buyback costs or salvage title rules
- Failure to reimburse sales tax, registration, or recent upgrades
If anything feels off, let us take a look at the paperwork and explain your rights.
Can a Shop Still Repair a Totaled Car?
Yes—but only if you choose to keep it. If your insurer writes off the car and you opt to repair it, we’ll give you a transparent, itemized estimate and explain what’s involved in restoring it safely and legally.
Some Carrollton drivers choose this option for sentimental or financial reasons—and we’re here to support that, so long as it’s safe and makes sense.
Let’s Talk Before You Decide
If your car was just totaled and you’re unsure what to do next, call Silver Lining Collision in Carrollton at (214) 242-8727. We’ll help you understand the numbers, review your options, and make sure you’re not being shortchanged—because a totaled car shouldn’t total your peace of mind.
