most use independent companies to avoid being sued, or state recognized resources.
there are companies called ccc and autosource that run your vehicles make model adn year with mileage, options and prior damage to determine its value based on your zip code. other static resources include kelly blue book values or NADA to provide national averages.
70% of the value
They use a market value guide.
If you want to keep a totaled car, the insurance company will determine the salvage value and deduct that from your settlement check. You can still get liability insurance (if there are no safety issues related to the damage), but not collision or comprehensive unless you have the repairs made.
You can ask for more money and get other estimates. But usually, the insurance companies will price the loss of a car depending on the blue book's value.
An insurance company declares a vehicle totaled when the cost to fix the vehicle exceeds 70% or more of its market value.
The insurance company will only pay the 'book' value of the vehicle as if it were in perfect condition unless damage prior to the accident was discovered and that damage will be deducted from the 'book value'.
If you have full coverage they might pay you the lowest market value fo your car. They will deduct your deductable.. Insurance companies are out to make money so they will find the cheapest way out
The insurance company will make you an offer.
If you have collision insurance, they will pay out up to 40-70% of the value of the car in repair costs. Over that amount, it is considered totaled., and they cut you a check for the value of the car. The percentages vary with companies, vehicle, etc. You don't have any say in it. If you have only liability insurance, you're on your own for the repairs.
Keep in mind that the insurance company will compensate you for the actual cash value of the vehicle. This means the amount of money that it would take to replace the vehicle. Insurance companies do not use advertised prices to determine actual value. When was the last time that you actually paid "sticker" price for a vehicle?
Normally if the estimated damage is 75% of the value of the vehicle, it will be considered a total loss. The reason for this is that there may be hidden damage that only appears after the repairs are initiated. This varies, depending on your insurance carrier.
The leading car insurance companies are Liberty Mutual, Geico, Esurance, State Farm and Allstate. The main factors that determine the value of these car insurance companies is an excellent customer service, competitive prices and highly experienced staff.