Car Totaled in an Accident? 5 Tips on What to Do Next

A totaled car is one that has been destroyed in an accident. There is extreme damage to the front, back or side that is caused by a heavy collision. Handle your totaled vehicle quickly and effectively. There are certain steps involved in handling this situation. After you experience this accident, know five steps that you must take next.

Submit a Claim Immediately

It is not good to sit on any claim. A day or two after the accident, submit your documents to the insurance provider. The process could take a month or more, depending on the severity of the accident, so immediacy is important. Also, know if you car is even totaled. The repairs will cost more than the current value. Check over the vehicle and submit accurate information in your claim.

Tow the Vehicle Right Away

Contact a towing company right after the crash. The specific company does not really matter because the car is only being stored. The storage fees are usually high, so it is important to remove the vehicle immediately.

Know the Current Value of the Vehicle

To pay for repairs, know the current value of the vehicle. A claim is determined by the actual cash value instead of the repair costs. Review the numbers in the Kelly Blue Book and recent auto listings. Make sure that the insurance provider is working with fair prices. Know that you are receiving the right payouts.

Find the Title

Keep hold of your car title when it is needed. Otherwise, file for a lost one immediately. The insurance provider may require that you sign it over. To keep the car, you may have to file for a salvaged title. Reselling the car may be harder, but you can resell the parts.

Submit the Documents Immediately

Filling out numerous documents is included the total claims process, but you must submit them before the deadlines. It could take months before you receive results from an insurance company or lawyer. Jeffery C. Metler, a personal injury lawyer, always urges his clients to submit any necessary paper work as quickly as possible after the accident so that they will have the best chance of getting what they need from the insurance company. The process starts with your fast actions, which affects the chances of restoring your vehicle.

Communication and fast acting are important factors when you deal with a totaled car. Review the five tasks that you must fulfill to deal with this accident. Communicate closely with the adjuster. Most of all, act quickly before your benefits run out. Work through an efficient process of handling a totaled vehicle.