When Is a Car Considered Totaled in Allen, TX?

When Is a Car Considered Totaled in Allen, TX?

If you’ve recently been in an accident in Allen, maybe on Bethany Drive or near the Allen Premium Outlets—you might be wondering if your car can be repaired or if it’s a total loss. We get this question often at Silver Lining Collision, especially when the damage looks bad, but the car still runs.

So, what really determines whether a car is totaled in Texas? Let’s break it down and explain what it means for Allen drivers facing an insurance decision.

What Does “Total” Mean?

A vehicle is considered totaled when the cost to repair the damage exceeds its value, or a certain percentage of it. In Texas, that percentage is typically set around 100% of the Actual Cash Value (ACV)—but many insurers use thresholds between 70% and 80%, depending on the company and policy.

So, if your car is worth $10,000, and repairs are estimated at $8,000 or more, there’s a good chance your insurance company will declare it a total loss—even if it’s technically repairable.

How Insurance Companies Calculate a Total Loss

Here’s what insurers consider:

• Actual Cash Value (ACV) of your vehicle right before the accident
• Repair estimate based on labor, parts, and supplemental damage
• Salvage value—what the car is worth in damaged condition
• Potential costs of rental coverage and storage fees

At Silver Lining Collision, we often help Allen drivers understand how those numbers are calculated—and whether they’re fair. Sometimes vehicles are declared totaled too quickly, especially if the adjuster uses lowball comps or outdated pricing.

Can You Keep a Totaled Car?

Yes, but there are trade-offs. If your vehicle is totaled and you decide to retain it, the insurance company will pay you the ACV minus the salvage value. You’ll then have to repair it on your own and apply for a salvage or rebuild title, which can lower resale value and affect insurability.

If you go this route, it’s crucial to work with a shop like Silver Lining Collision that can restore the car to safe, roadworthy conditions, using OEM procedures and documentation that stand up to inspections.

What If You Disagree with the Total Loss Decision?

You’re not powerless. In Allen, you can:

• Request a second opinion or independent appraisal
• Challenge the valuation with proof of recent maintenance, upgrades, or higher-value comps
• Ask your shop to submit a detailed repair plan showing why the car is worth fixing

We’ve successfully helped Allen customers overturn premature total loss calls by providing detailed damage assessments and negotiating with insurers.

When Repairs Make Sense

Sometimes a car isn’t declared a total loss—but comes close. In those situations, it’s still worth asking:

• Will repairs restore the car to pre-accident safety and reliability?
• Are OEM parts and proper calibration parts of the repair plan?
• Will the vehicle retain reasonable resale or trade-in value?

At Silver Lining Collision, we give Allen customers clear guidance on when a repair is truly worth it—and when you’re better off taking the settlement and moving on.

Facing a Total Loss in Allen? Let’s Talk First.

If your insurance company is saying your car is totaled, don’t make a decision without understanding all your options. Call Silver Lining Collision at (214) 242-8727 for a free estimate or second opinion. We’ll explain what’s really going on, walk you through your choices, and help you make the call that’s best for you.