After a serious car accident, you take stock of yourself and thankfully find no major physical damage but you also wonder if you have a totaled car. However, the same cannot be said for your vehicle–it’s in dire need of repair, with dented metal and broken windows everywhere. As you survey the wreckage before you, one question looms large: will this mean permanent damage to your beloved ride?
After an accident, it’s natural to wonder who is responsible. The answer may be simpler than you anticipate!
When insurance companies determine that a car is totaled, they take several factors into account. This includes the actual value, salvageable parts, and cost of repairs needed to bring it back up to standards. If the total costs exceed its worth or if older vehicles have high mileage or prior damage issues, then insurers may classify them as “totaled,” regardless of how minor those damages might be.
How Do You Know That It’s A Totaled Car
Before the official prognosis comes down from your insurance company, certain clues can help you identify if your car has been totaled. Knowing these signs may provide some peace of mind and clarity during a stressful time.
You Can’t Drive It Properly
Many times, a car’s drivability is the most telling indicator of whether it has been totaled. If your vehicle won’t start or remain running, if its exterior and interior are warped or bent, if anything obstructs visibility from within the car (including through windows and mirrors), or if any intense odors emit from inside–it may meet the criteria as being declared “totaled.”
When determining whether your car is totaled, ensure that it starts up and can be driven safely. Failing to do so could result in expensive repair costs exceeding the value of your vehicle. Bring your car to an auto shop right away.
Fluids Are Leaking
The presence of fluid leaks is a key indication that your vehicle may be irreparable. The most reliable way to accurately diagnose the severity of this issue is by recognizing which fluids are leaking and how much; all vehicles require 8 essential liquids in their system, including power steering oil, windshield washer liquid, brake linings, transmission oils, and other compounds. A thorough car inspection can help you determine if costly repairs or total replacement must occur sooner rather than later.
Drivers should be aware of fluid leakage from their car, as it can provide an important indicators for assessing the overall condition. In particular, transmission and engine oil may reflect significant damage to an automobile – in these cases, insurers are often likely to consider a vehicle totaled. However other key indicators must also be taken into account before making any final judgment regarding its status.
Extensive Frame Damage
Whether it’s a minor collision or something more major, frame damage can take a significant toll on your wallet. Repairs typically range from $2,000 to upwards of $10K depending on the severity – so if you’ve been in an accident and are concerned about potential repairs due to frame damage, be sure to get an accurate estimate quickly!
Maintaining a proper car frame is essential for driver safety. Without it, your vehicle cannot offer the structural support needed to ensure its components remain pocketed and secure when driving at high speeds. An unmaintained car frame could lead to unpredictable scenarios on the roads that can jeopardize anyone behind the wheel’s well-being.
Your car has lots of mileage or is very old
Knowing the age and mileage of your car could be critical in determining its total worth. As cars begin to show their years, they depreciate more quickly – with every extra year or mile adding additional wear and tear that affects the overall value of a vehicle. The difference between an older model with high miles and a newer version can potentially mean thousands in repair costs if you are unfortunate enough for it to become totaled.
Driving an older car or one with a lot of miles? Don’t be surprised if your insurance agent declares that it’s been totaled – even for small amounts of car damage. Make sure to get a second opinion by having it appraised!
The front part endured a lot of damage
An automobile is a complex device with many intricate components, but the most important parts of your car are concentrated at its front. That’s where you’ll find essential pieces such as an engine, battery, gear box, and steering wheel – all working in unison to keep it running smoothly on any kind of road. Unfortunately, if there’s damage up front then car repairs can be especially costly; so take extra caution when driving!
The car is on fire
It may be unlikely, but if your car is unfortunate enough to experience a fire or explosion, it could end up becoming totaled. Not only can the flames cause costly cosmetic damage, but they also cannot discriminate between components, as any heat-sensitive parts will suffer from potentially irreparable harm.
Call Miller Brothers Transmission Auto Repair and Body Shop now if you need auto repairs or maintenance services.
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Miller Brothers Transmission Auto Repair and Body Shop
7123 Tazewell Pike
Corryton, TN 37721
(865) 689-5072
https://www.millerbrosautorepair.com/
Serving Knoxville, TN and Knox County
Service areas include: All of Knox County, Corryton, Fountain City, Halls Crossroads, Powell and Knoxville
