Total Loss car: Thought It Was Over? Here’s How to Get Your Car Back on the Road!
Total Loss Car: Thought It Was Over? Here’s How to Get Your Car Back on the Road!
People often mistakenly believe that a total loss means a vehicle is no longer usable. Let’s take the example of a client from Munich who faced an economic total loss assessment for his car. His first reaction was shock and disbelief because he assumed it meant the end of his beloved vehicle. He then contacted expert appraiser Asim Mrković, who explained in detail what types of damage exist.
There are two types of total loss:
- Economic total loss
- Technical total loss
Economic total loss occurs when the cost of repairs exceeds the market value of the vehicle. In other words, although the car can technically be repaired, it is not economically viable. For example, if a car is worth €5,000 and repairing a damaged bumper and headlight costs €7,000, the insurance company will declare it an economic total loss.
On the other hand, technical total loss refers to situations where the vehicle is both economically and technically severely damaged. However, even in these cases, selling the vehicle for scrap and claiming insurance compensation is not the only solution.
What many people don’t know is that even in cases of total loss, the vehicle owner has the right to keep and repair the car, provided they consult with an expert appraiser and a lawyer. In the case of the Munich client, since repairs at an authorized service center were too expensive, he was advised to consider repairing the car at an unauthorized service or replacing only a few damaged parts. This significantly reduced repair costs while ensuring the vehicle remained safe to drive.
It is important to emphasize that the vehicle owner has the right to decide what to do with their car, regardless of the total loss assessment. They can repair it, sell it, recycle it, or even continue driving it in a damaged state—provided it does not pose a risk to traffic safety and technical regulations. All options are open, and the final decision depends on the owner’s preferences.
In the case of the Munich client, who was emotionally attached to his car, he decided to repair it after realizing all the available options. He claimed the difference between the vehicle’s value before and after the accident from the insurance company and then arranged for repairs at an unauthorized workshop. Read our tips for choosing the right workshop HERE. This saved him money while keeping his vehicle, which remained technically sound and safe to drive.
This example shows that total loss does not necessarily mean the end of a car’s life. With the right advice and expert assessment, vehicle owners can make informed decisions and take advantage of all available options.
In the world of damage assessment, it is crucial to remember that clients always come first. Expert appraisers should provide all relevant information and help clients make the best decision for their situation. If you need an appraiser, read more HERE. A total loss is not always a final verdict; rather, it can often be an opportunity to find creative solutions and achieve the best possible outcome for the client. If you are facing a similar situation, contact expert damage assessor Asim Mrković for advice.
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