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Was your Car Totaled? Should you keep the vehicle?

Joseph Coupal - Friday, November 23, 2012

"Owner retained" is a term you've probably never heard. Of the 4 million vehicles totaled every year in the United States, 1 million are "retained" by the "owner". They choose to actually keep the wrecked car rather than sending it to the scrap heap. Why? The owner knows the car better than the insurance company and thinks it can be either repaired or sold at a profit.

If the owner is automotive savvy, this is often the case!

Below is a typical situation:

  • You've been in a car accident
  • The insurance adjuster estimates damage of $8,500
  • Your vehicle's pre-crash value (ACV) is $10,000
  • Your state has an 80% damage threshold for declaring vehicle a total loss
  • At 85% ($8,500/$10,000), your vehicle is declared a total loss by your insurer
  • The insurance company estimates your vehicle is worth $500 post-crash (salvage value)

You have 2 options:

  • Take the $10,000 less your deductible ($1,000) and pass title to your insurer
  • Take the $10,000 less your deductible ($1,000) and salvage value ($500) and keep your car (with a salvage title)

In the second option, you are essentially taking the settlement and buying your damaged car from the insurance company. You may choose to repair the car or sell it. If you choose to sell it, DamageMAX will buy it - you pocket the profit!

How does DamageMAX pay you more for your owner retained vehicle than your insurer? Your insurer wants to settle the claim quickly and usually discounts your "owner retained" vehicle to encourage you to settle. This can be your advantage - contact DamageMAX to find out how much we will pay for your "owner retained" vehicle.

DamageMAX pays MAXimum Value for your Damaged Car!

Call 888-629-2137 24 hours / 7 days for a free quote on any damaged vehicle