What does total self mean?

In the insurance industry there are many terms that are difficult for us to understand, especially when we hear them in English. Today we want to explain what does total car mean in Spanish and the process followed by insurance companies in these cases. In this way you will have the information you need to make decisions and perform the procedures related to your car insurance in the best possible way.

📰 Contents
  1. What does total self mean in Spanish?
  2. What determines a "total car" or a total loss?
  3. How does the insurance company determine the total value of a car?
  4. What value does the insurance use when your car is totaled?
    1. Actual present value
    2. Save value
    3. Repair cost
  5. What happens when the insurer declares a "total car"?
  6. What does total car mean in Spanish: frequently asked questions
    1. Do I have to pay a deductible if my car is totaled?
    2. What happens to my car if it is scored?
    3. When a car is totaled, what does my insurance pay?
    4. Can I buy back my total car?
    5. If my car is declared in total loss, do I have to repay the loan?
    6. How does the gap coverage work?

What does total self mean in Spanish?

If you have been in an accident and your car has been severely impacted, the insurance company will probably consider it as "total" (total or total loss, in Spanish). However, we need to go a little further. You need to know why a vehicle is considered total loss, or what is the same, because it was totaled.

Here is a fairly simple explanation of what a scored car is and what you should do if your vehicle has been scored.

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What determines a "total car" or a total loss?

Insurance companies consider a car to be a total loss when the repair cost of the vehicle plus its salvage value is greater than its actual or market value.

How does the insurance company determine the total value of a car?

Appraisers will estimate the cost of repairs and then determine whether the cost of repairing the vehicle, including factors such as the cost of replacement parts, salvage value, and labor costs, will exceed the actual value of the car.

You may look at your car and think that it is irreparable or rather that you will be able to use it in a very short time, but your analysis will probably end there. The insurance company is the one that will determine if your car is considered totaled or not.

You may now be wondering: when the insurer totals a car, what value does it use? You will likely use the actual cash value of the vehicle to determine the value of the car when it comes to a total loss. Ok, let's break it down in more detail.

What value does the insurance use when your car is totaled?

The actual cash value of your car is the amount your insurance company will generally pay you after it has been accumulated in a covered loss or accident. The ACV value of your car is defined by your insurance company based on the value your car had before the collision, minus the deductible.

Actual present value

A claims appraiser will calculate the actual cash value of your car. To do this, it is necessary to assess the condition of the vehicle and estimate its value based on the make, model, year, mileage and other characteristics of the car.

Save value

The resale value of parts and metal is calculated. If it is nothing more than the actual cash value of the car, it is considered totaled.

Repair cost

The cost of repairing the vehicle is calculated to see if it is greater or less than the actual cash value. When combined with the salvage value and found to be higher than its actual monetary value, the car is considered totaled.

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What happens when the insurer declares a "total car"?

You learn that the insurance company has determined that your car is a total loss, now what do you do? Well, there are some steps you need to follow in order to get back on the road as soon as possible.

If you have an accident and your insurance company determines that your car has been totaled, the following will happen:

  • The claims handler will likely ask you to remove all personal items from your car and hand over the keys.
  • You will likely need to contact your finance or leasing company to let them know that the insurer will contact them.
  • Once the vehicle is considered totaled, the insurance will pay you a balance in cash. That is, you will receive a check for the amount of the real value of your vehicle.
  • If the vehicle is rented, the payment goes directly to the leasing company, and if the car is financed, the bank or finance company will receive the outstanding payment and the rest will be given to you.

Of course, if you own the vehicle and you owe nothing, you will receive the full amount and can use it to purchase a replacement vehicle.

What does total car mean in Spanish: frequently asked questions

Do I have to pay a deductible if my car is totaled?

Yes, in order for your insurance company to pay for the claim, you will need to pay the deductible first.

What happens to my car if it is scored?

As usual, the insurance company will take possession of your vehicle by transferring the title to your name. After that, they will likely sell it to a rescue buyer. If you decide to keep your car, the recovery value will be deducted from the total balance.

Some states have specific rules regarding the total losses withheld by the owner. Therefore, be sure to consult with your claims appraiser to fully understand the situation and the steps to take.

When a car is totaled, what does my insurance pay?

Usually, your insurance will pay the actual cash value of your car, less the deductible, after which is considered a total loss. Once the balance is received, you can begin the process of purchasing a new vehicle to replace the total one.

Can I buy back my total car?

Many insurers will allow you to repurchase the vehicle that was "total" in case you want to repair it so it can circulate again. The first thing you should do is contact your insurance agent and file your case. But remember that you will probably have to pay out of your own pocket to cover the cost.

After reaching the deductible, you will be provided with the actual cash value of the vehicle, but if you still owe money on the loan, you must pay the balance for your lender to transfer the title to you.

If my car is declared in total loss, do I have to repay the loan?

Typically, with a total loss, your insurance company or the at fault driver's insurance company will write a check for your car's actual cash value. If you are financing your vehicle, the insurance company will pay that amount to the lender, and if there is any money left, they will pay you for it. So the short answer is, as long as your car is insured, you or your lender will be reimbursed for its actual cash value if the total is. This repayment is generally used to pay off the loan.

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How does the gap coverage work?

Keep in mind that you may still be in debt to your lender after receiving your payment from the insurance company. Why? Because the insurer is only required to pay you for the fair market value of your car And sometimes, when you're financing a car, you owe more money than it's actually worth. In this case your balance will be negative, which is a big reason why you should have coverage for your car loan or rental gap.

Gap coverage is additional and may or may not be added to your policy, so in case you have a negative balance when your car is totaled, The insurance will pay for the gap between the value of your car and what you still owe the lender.

Another important detail about this coverage is that the loan must be a car loan and must be taken out solely for the purchase of a car. Therefore, if you are using a home loan to purchase a vehicle, this coverage would not be available. You also don't pay for things like extended warranties, credit life insurance, loan renewal balances, or late payment penalties and fees.

Finding out that your vehicle has been considered a total loss will not be pleasant at all. However, know what does total car mean in Spanish and knowing the whole procedure followed by the insurer will help you reduce some stress. Stay in touch with your insurance broker to clarify any questions you may have.

If you want to discover other articles similar to What does total self mean?, you can visit the Last News category.

Nathan Hamilton

Nathan Hamilton

Nathan is a car enthusiast and industry professional with decades of combined experience in the automotive sector. Along with his team of writers and researchers, all passionate about automobiles, he is committed to delivering reliable and relevant content that ranges from detailed insurance guides to maintenance tips and much more.

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