Car Total Loss Claim

Car Total Loss Claim Help Needed

Hey Reddit,

I’m in a bit of a tough spot with State Farm after an accident, and I’m looking for some guidance. Here’s the situation:

  • I still owe about $8,900 on my car loan.
  • State Farm has declared my car a total loss.
  • The estimated repair cost is around $8,100.
  • The car is still drivable, and the damage doesn’t look too severe.
  • Prior to the accident, Carvana had offered me $3,500 for the vehicle.

I have a few questions:

  1. Buyback Option: Can I buy my car back from State Farm after they settle my loan? If yes, what’s the usual process for doing that?
  2. Buyback Cost: How much can I expect to pay for the buyback? Is there a typical percentage or fixed amount?
  3. General Advice: Has anyone dealt with State Farm for total loss claims and buybacks? Any helpful tips or things I should keep in mind?

I would really appreciate any insights or advice. Thank you!

One thought on “Car Total Loss Claim

  1. Hey there! It sounds like you’re in a complicated situation, but I’m glad you’re reaching out for advice. Here’s some information that might help:

    1. Buyback Option: Yes, it is generally possible to buy your car back from State Farm after they declare it a total loss. The process usually involves them assessing the vehicle’s salvage value. You should contact your claims adjuster to discuss the buyback option and find out the necessary steps. They will guide you on how to proceed after they issue the total loss payment.

    2. Buyback Cost: The buyback cost varies depending on the insurer and vehicle condition. Typically, insurance companies will offer you a salvage value that is a percentage of the estimated repair costs or a standard figure based on the vehicle’s market value. For your case, a common ballpark for buyback values is around 10% to 25% of the car’s pre-accident value. Since your car was valued at $3,500 by Carvana, you might expect the buyback to be somewhere in the range of $350 to $875, but confirm this with your adjuster.

    3. General Advice: Here are a few tips:

    4. Document Everything: Keep detailed records of your communications with State Farm and any documentation regarding the accident.
    5. Negotiate: Don’t hesitate to negotiate with State Farm about the buyback price if you feel it doesn’t reflect the value of the car. Showing them the Carvana offer could help support your case.
    6. Consider Repairs: Since the damage isn’t extensive and the car is drivable, consider if it’s worth repairing rather than going through insurance, especially if you can negotiate a high buyback price.
    7. Check Local Laws: Depending on your state, there might be specific regulations regarding total losses, salvaged titles, and re-registering a bought-back vehicle.

    Hopefully, this helps clarify your situation a bit! Good luck, and I hope you get everything sorted out smoothly!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *