What Happens When I Total My Car in Colorado?

If you total your car in Colorado, you have a few options. You can keep the car and pay for the repairs yourself, or you can turn in the car to the insurance company and receive a check for the car's value. If you decide to keep the car, you will need to get it repaired and inspected by a licensed Colorado repair shop. Once it is repaired, you will need to get it registered with the state of Colorado. If you decide to turn in the car to the insurance company, you will receive a check for the car's value minus any deductible that you may have.

The Meaning of a Total Loss

A total loss occurs when your vehicle is so damaged that it would cost more to repair it than the vehicle is worth, or if your vehicle is stolen and not recovered.

Total losses are usually the result of major accidents or severe weather events, but they can also occur if your car is vandalized or if it sustains significant flood damage.

What is a Salvage Title?

If you keep your car after it is totaled, you will need to get a salvage title for it. A salvage title is a special type of vehicle title that indicates your car has been damaged in an accident or otherwise declared a total loss.

To get a salvage title, you will need to:

1. Go to your local Colorado DMV office with the required paperwork.

2. Fill out an application for a salvage title.

3. Pay the applicable fees ($50).

4. Get your car inspected by a licensed Colorado repair shop.

5. Register your car with the state of Colorado.

6. Get liability insurance for your car.

Once you have a salvage title, you can keep and drive your car, but it will not be worth as much as it was before the accident.

Emissions Test for Salvage Cars

To register your car, you will need to have its emissions tested. The test is required for all cars registered in Colorado, regardless of whether they are new or used.

If your car is a total loss, you may be able to get a waiver for the emissions test. To do this, you will need to:

1. Get a copy of the accident report from the police.

2. Take the report to the DMV.

3. Complete an application for a waiver.

4. Pay the applicable fees ($25).

If your car is not a total loss, you will need to have its emissions tested before it can be registered. The test is valid for one year.

To get your car emissions tested, you will need to:

1. Take your car to a certified emissions testing facility.

2. Present your vehicle registration certificate.

3. Pay the applicable fees ($15).

4. Pass the emission test.

If your car fails the emission test, you will need to have it repaired and retested. You may be eligible for a repair waiver if your car is less than seven years old and has failed the test three times.

What is a Total Loss Settlement?

If you decide to give your car to the insurance company in exchange for a check, you will need to negotiate a total loss settlement. This is the process of negotiating with your insurance company to determine how much money you will receive for your car.

To get the best possible settlement, you will need to:

1. Gather all of the necessary paperwork.

2. Get an estimate of your car's value from a reputable source.

3. Negotiate with your insurance company.

4. Get a second opinion if you are unhappy with the first offer.

5. Accept an offer or file a claim if you cannot reach an agreement.

What Happens if I Cannot Reach an Agreement with My Insurance Company?

If you cannot reach an agreement with your insurance company, you have the option of filing a claim. This formal complaint will be filed with the Colorado Division of Insurance.

What Happens if I Total My Car and I Have a Loan?

If you have a loan on your car, you will need to pay it off even if your car is totaled. You can do this by:

1. Negotiating with your lender.

2. Refinancing your loan.

3. Paying off the loan with your insurance settlement.

4. Filing a claim against your lender.

5. Selling your car to pay off the loan.

What Happens if I Total My Leased Car?

If you total your leased car, you will need to:

1. Notify your leasing company as soon as possible.

2. Follow the instructions in your lease agreement.

3. Negotiate with your insurance company.

4. Pay off the remainder of your lease.

5. Return the car to the leasing company.

6. Get a new car.

What Happens if I Total My Car and I Don't Have Insurance?

If you do not have insurance and you total your car, you will be responsible for paying for the repairs yourself. You can also be fined for driving without insurance.

How to Avoid a Total Loss

There are several things you can do to avoid having your car totaled in an accident:

1. Drive safely.

2. Obey the speed limit.

3. Do not tailgate.

4. Use your turn signals.

5. Do not drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

6. Do not text and drive.

7. Pay attention to the road.

8. Drive defensively.

9. Be aware of your surroundings.

10. Always wear your seatbelt.

If you are involved in an accident, be sure to exchange insurance information with the other driver. You will also need to file a police report. If your car is damaged, be sure to get it repaired as soon as possible to avoid further damage.

Have Any Questions?

If you have any questions about Colorado auto insurance and settlement agreements, agreements, we can help. We provide vehicle owners in Colorado with the resources they need to make informed decisions about their car insurance. For quotes, claims, and more, contact us today.