How Auto Insurance Handles Claims for Totaled Vehicles

When a vehicle in Sellersburg, IN, is involved in a severe accident, the insurance company assesses whether it is "totaled." A car is considered totaled when the repair cost exceeds its value, usually around 70% to 80%, though this varies by state and insurer. In this case, the insurance company decides it’s more economical to declare the car a total loss.

Payout Process for Totaled Vehicles

If your vehicle is declared a total loss, your auto insurance provider will offer a settlement based on the car’s actual cash value (ACV) just before the accident. The ACV is the vehicle’s market value, considering age, condition, mileage, and depreciation factors. The insurer will deduct any applicable deductibles from the payout. If you still owe money on a car loan, the insurance company will first pay the lender, and any remaining balance will go to you. If the payout does not cover the remaining loan balance, gap insurance, if you have it, can help cover the difference.

Keeping a Totaled Vehicle

If you choose to keep the car, the insurance company will pay you the ACV minus the salvage value—the estimated worth of the damaged vehicle. Once you decide to keep the vehicle, it’s often issued a salvage title, and it may be costly and difficult to insure or register it in the future.

Next Steps After a Total Loss

After receiving the settlement, discuss the options with your insurance agent. You can use the funds to purchase a new vehicle or pay off an existing car loan.

CXE Insurance Explains Everything Concerning Insurance

CXE Insurance is here to answer all your insurance questions. We serve Sellersburg, IN, and surrounding cities. Contact us today.

Getting Auto Insurance for the First Time

You’re an adult now! Go wherever you want! But you have to buy your own insurance! Boo!

Sorry, but part of being an adult means getting your own insurance. You’ll need to know what type of coverage you’ll need and how much it will cost. The price of this can fluctuate wildly, so you need to make sure that you’re getting the best deal. 

What You Need to Know

Liability coverage is required in just about every state in the Union. How much is your car worth? If you’ve got an old beater as a hand-me-down, you might not want to bother with comprehensive and collision insurance. However, it might be worth it if the parental units came through with some nice wheels as your graduation present. If you have a car loan, you will need more than just liability insurance. Before you even contact an insurance company, you’ll need to collect pertinent details on yourself and your vehicle. This includes your proof of address, driver’s license, and a copy of your vehicle registration. Make copies of those documents and have them with you when you contact an agent. Also, be prepared to tell them the make and model of your car, date purchased, miles driven, and info about your parent’s policy if you were on that. 

CXE Insurance Serving Sellersburg, IN

If you live in the Sellersburg, IN, area and need auto insurance, please contact CXE Insurance. Our knowledgeable and courteous agents will help you find the policy that best suits your needs. 

What To Do If Your Vehicle Is Vandalized

Your vehicle is at risk of being vandalized if parked in an open area. Use the steps below if your vehicle is vandalized. Then, ensure that your vehicle is equipped with the proper insurance coverage.

Supporting Details

Photographs and a police report will support your insurance claim. Once you realize your vehicle has been vandalized, contact a local police officer.

The officer will be dispatched to the location of your vehicle. They will assess the damage to your car. Then, they will prepare a report of their findings. Pictures of the vandalism will be taken. This information should be submitted when you file an insurance claim.

Claims Form

An insurance claims form will need to be filled out. This form should be prepared at your earliest convenience. The form will require some information about the damage to your vehicle. You will need to sign the form before it is filed. 

Adjuster Inspection

An insurance adjuster will inspect your vehicle. They will need to determine if your insurance policy will cover the damage. The adjuster’s findings will be reported to your insurance agency.

Once your vandalism claim is processed, you will be able to have your vehicle repaired. The repair process may include having your vehicle repainted. You can seek the needed services by scheduling an appointment with a certified mechanic.

Contact CXE Insurance

You do not need to go through a vandalism crime alone. Consult with one of our CXE Insurance agents for assistance with filing your vandalism insurance claim. An agent who serves Sellersburg, IN, will help you fill out the insurance paperwork that needs to be filed.

Is It Harder to Insure a Salvaged Vehicle?

Salvaged vehicles, often the result of accidents or significant damage, come with unique challenges when it comes to insurance. Here at CXE Insurance, providing auto insurance in the greater Sellersburg, IN region, we want to help you understand whether it’s more difficult to insure a salvaged vehicle and what factors come into play when securing coverage.

Determining the Difficulty Salvage Title

A significant factor in insuring a salvaged vehicle is its title. Salvage titles indicate that the vehicle has been declared a total loss by the insurance company. Insurance providers may view these vehicles as higher risk due to the prior damage.

Underwriting Guidelines

Insurers often have underwriting guidelines that vary when it comes to salvaged vehicles. While some companies may offer standard coverage, others might have stricter criteria, making it more challenging to find insurance.

Coverage Limitations Limited Comprehensive and Collision

Insuring a salvaged vehicle may come with limitations on comprehensive and collision coverage. The insurer may only provide coverage for liability, which protects other parties in case of an accident.

Diminished Value

Salvaged vehicles typically have diminished value, even after repairs. This can affect the compensation you receive in case of a total loss, making it important to understand how your policy handles this aspect.

We Are Here To Help

While insuring a salvaged vehicle can be more challenging, it’s not impossible. It’s essential to shop around, work with experienced insurance agents, and understand the specific requirements and limitations of the insurers. With the right approach, you can find suitable coverage for your salvaged vehicle, protecting both yourself and your investment. If you’re looking to insure a salvaged vehicle in the greater Sellersburg, IN area, CXE Insurance can help. Call us today to get started.