Navigating the aftermath of a car accident is stressful enough without the added confusion of dealing with insurance claims—especially when your vehicle is declared a total loss or salvaged. Progressive Insurance, one of the largest auto insurers in the U.S., has specific procedures for handling these situations. Whether your car was wrecked in a collision, flooded during a hurricane, or damaged beyond repair in a wildfire, understanding how to report a totaled or salvaged vehicle can save you time, money, and frustration.
Before diving into the reporting process, it’s crucial to know the difference between a totaled and a salvaged vehicle.
A vehicle is considered a total loss when the cost of repairs exceeds a certain percentage of its actual cash value (ACV). This threshold varies by state—some use 75%, others 100%. Progressive follows state guidelines to determine whether a car is totaled.
A salvage title is issued when a totaled car is deemed unfit for the road but can be sold for parts or rebuilt. Some states allow rebuilt salvage vehicles back on the road after passing inspections, while others impose restrictions.
Progressive uses a combination of factors to decide if your car is totaled:
After an accident, contact Progressive as soon as possible. You can:
- Call their claims hotline.
- Use the Progressive mobile app.
- File online via their website.
Provide details like:
- The accident date, time, and location.
- Police report number (if applicable).
- Photos of the damage.
A Progressive claims adjuster will assess the damage. They may:
- Inspect the car in person.
- Request an estimate from an approved repair shop.
- Use photo-based assessments for minor cases.
If Progressive declares your car a total loss, they will:
- Calculate the ACV based on make, model, mileage, and pre-accident condition.
- Subtract your deductible (if applicable).
- Offer a settlement amount.
If you disagree with the offer:
- Provide evidence (e.g., recent upgrades, maintenance records).
- Request a third-party appraisal (if allowed by state law).
Once you accept the settlement:
- Sign over the title to Progressive.
- Remove personal belongings.
- Return license plates (check state requirements).
Some states allow owners to retain salvage vehicles. If permitted:
1. Progressive deducts the salvage value from your settlement.
2. You must obtain a salvage title from the DMV.
3. The car may need repairs and inspections before being road-legal again.
With increasing natural disasters—hurricanes, floods, wildfires—more cars are being declared totaled due to environmental damage.
Progressive has seen a rise in weather-related claims, making it essential for policyholders to understand comprehensive coverage.
If you owe more on your loan than the car’s ACV, gap insurance (offered by Progressive) covers the difference. Without it, you could be stuck paying for a car you no longer own.
Unscrupulous sellers sometimes:
- Hide flood or accident damage.
- "Wash" titles by registering in lenient states.
- Sell rebuilt salvage cars without proper disclosures.
Always get a vehicle history report (e.g., Carfax) before buying a used car.
Dealing with a totaled or salvaged car is never easy, but Progressive’s streamlined claims process helps minimize the hassle. Staying informed about your policy, state laws, and market trends ensures you get fair compensation.
Remember:
- Report accidents immediately.
- Keep maintenance records to justify ACV.
- Consider gap insurance if you’re financing.
- Be cautious when buying used cars with salvage titles.
By following these steps, you can navigate the complexities of totaled and salvaged vehicles with confidence.
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Author: Farmers Insurance Kit
Source: Farmers Insurance Kit
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