Total Loss Car Value Calculator By State Today

Total Loss Formula:

\[ \text{Total Loss} = \begin{cases} \text{Yes} & \text{if Repair Cost} > (\text{Threshold} \% \times \text{ACV}) \\ \text{No} & \text{otherwise} \end{cases} \]

Total Loss Determination:

Unit Converter ▲

Unit Converter ▼

From:	To:

1. What is a Total Loss Calculator?

The Total Loss Calculator determines whether a vehicle should be declared a total loss based on your state's specific threshold percentage of the vehicle's actual cash value (ACV). Each state sets different thresholds (typically 70-100% of ACV) for when a car must be declared a total loss.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the total loss formula:

\[ \text{Total Loss} = \begin{cases} \text{Yes} & \text{if Repair Cost} > (\text{Threshold} \% \times \text{ACV}) \\ \text{No} & \text{otherwise} \end{cases} \]

Where:

$ \text{Repair Cost} $ — Estimated cost to repair the vehicle ($)
$ \text{Threshold} \% $ — Your state's total loss threshold percentage
$ \text{ACV} $ — Actual Cash Value of the vehicle before damage ($)

Explanation: The calculator compares the repair cost against a percentage of the vehicle's value. If repairs exceed this threshold, the vehicle is typically considered a total loss.

3. Importance of Total Loss Calculation

Details: Proper total loss determination affects insurance claims, vehicle titles (getting a salvage title), and consumer protection. States set thresholds to balance repair safety with economic practicality.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the estimated repair costs in dollars, your state's threshold percentage (common values: 70%, 75%, 80%, or 100%), and the vehicle's actual cash value before damage. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the typical total loss threshold by state?
A: Thresholds vary from 70% (e.g., Colorado) to 100% (e.g., Texas). Some states use formulas rather than fixed percentages.

Q2: How is ACV determined?
A: ACV is the pre-accident market value considering age, mileage, condition, and local market prices, often determined by valuation tools like CCC One or Mitchell.

Q3: Can a car be totaled below the threshold?
A: Yes, insurers may declare total loss below threshold if repair costs approach the threshold or if there's safety concerns about repaired vehicles.

Q4: What happens if my car is totaled?
A: You typically receive ACV minus deductible, and the insurer takes possession of the vehicle (which gets a salvage title if repaired).

Q5: Can I keep my totaled car?
A: In most states, yes, but you'll receive reduced payment (ACV minus salvage value) and the title will be branded as salvage.