Totaled or Repairable? How That Decision Is Made

After an accident, one of the first questions on most people’s minds is: Is my car totaled or can it be repaired? It’s a fair question—and one that depends on several behind-the-scenes calculations made by your insurance company.

At Elite Automotive Finishes, we’ve helped countless customers navigate this process. Here’s a closer look at what goes into the decision to total or repair a vehicle—and why it’s not always about the damage you can see.

1. Cost of Parts and Vehicle Value

The most common reason a car gets totaled? Cost. If your car’s market value is relatively low or the parts needed are unusually expensive, even minor-looking damage could push the repair estimate over the threshold. Insurance companies will compare the cost of repairs against the actual cash value (ACV) of your vehicle, which is based on mileage, condition, and service history.

So, if your ten-year-old sedan needs $6,000 in parts and labor, but it’s only worth $5,000? It’s likely to be deemed a total loss—even if it looks like it could be easily fixed.

2. Extent of the Damage

Beyond just the numbers, the extent of the damage plays a major role. Some repairs are more complex than others—frame damage, extensive panel replacement, or structural compromise all require significant work, labor, and time. When repairs are this involved, the bill adds up quickly.

Once again, insurance will weigh this cost against the vehicle’s value. If the total cost of repairs reaches a certain percentage (usually 70–80%) of the vehicle’s ACV, the car is often considered totaled.

3. Potential for Mechanical Issues

This third factor is less common, but important: potential future issues. Let’s say your car is repaired, but the engine is acting up or there’s transmission damage that wasn’t obvious at first. Insurance companies will factor in the likelihood of ongoing mechanical issues that could result in even more repairs down the line. If they believe the vehicle may continue to rack up costs post-repair, they may choose to total it instead.

How Insurance Companies Determine Value

Before making a final decision, insurers conduct a thorough vehicle valuation. This includes:

• Mileage

• Service and accident history

• Overall condition

• Comparable vehicles in your area
  
  
  

They’ll then use this valuation—sometimes applying a percentage threshold (like 75% of value)—to decide whether the car is worth repairing or if it's best to write it off as a total loss.

What This Means for You

Whether your car is totaled or repairable, you deserve clear communication and quality service throughout the process. At Elite, we work directly with insurance providers to make the process as smooth as possible—and we’ll give you an honest opinion about your options.

If your vehicle is repairable, our team provides high-quality, factory-level repairs you can trust. If it’s totaled, we’re happy to guide you through your next steps.

Looking for auto body shops in Mesa AZ you can count on? 

Elite Automotive Finishes is the trusted choice for auto collision repair Mesa AZ, with a reputation built on transparency, craftsmanship, and going the extra mile for every customer.

Your Next Step

Not sure what to do after a crash? Come by or give us a call. Whether you’re searching for an auto body shop near me or reliable auto repair near me, our team is here to help.

Visit us today and see why we’re Mesa’s top choice for auto body repair Mesa and beyond.