Most companies use a database that shows what the actual sales price of a particular year make and model vehicle is in your area. They don't necessarily use the "Blue Book" or "NADA". Most of the valuations on total losses that I have come across seem to be valued more towards dealer retail. Private party sales may not be reported accurately or be based in trade of goods or services rather than actual dollars.
A car is considered "totaled" if the cost of repairs is equal to, or greater than, the blue book value of the vehicle.
When the damage is more than the bluebook value.
The cost of repairs to the vehicle totaled well over two thousand dollars.
If the repairs of the vehicle exceed the value of the vehicle, then the vehicle is declared total loss.
When the cost to repair the vehicle back to good condition exceeds 75% of the value of that vehicle in good condition it is considered "totaled".
I don't know if there's a provision but, depending on which state you live in a car is totaled when the repairs cost more than 50-75% of the car's value.
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.
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.
70% of the value
It will depend on the cost to repair.
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.
irrepairable damage is not always considered by percentage. In fact, often it's the cost to fix the vehicle versus replacement cost. For example, a car with a damaged body frame would be most likely considered a write-off due to the dangerous nature, and the major repairs neccessary. Contact your State Insurance Board for further info.