When an insured vehicle is damaged to the point that repairs would cost more than its actual cash value, it is considered a total loss. In such cases, the insurance company typically declares the vehicle a total loss and pays the insured the actual cash value of the vehicle, minus any applicable deductible.
Total loss coverage is an important part of most auto insurance policies. It provides financial protection to the insured in the event that their vehicle is totaled in an accident or other covered event. Without total loss coverage, the insured would be responsible for paying the remaining balance on their car loan or lease, even if the vehicle is no longer drivable.