If my car is declared a total loss, can I still drive it? 2026 (What You Should Know)
If you’re wondering, "If my car is declared a total loss, can I still drive it" the answer isn’t straightforward. With 86% of insurers declaring a car a total loss when repair costs exceed 75% of its value, driving a totaled car may require legal and safety steps, depending on state laws.
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Insurance Lawyer
Jeffrey Johnson is a legal writer with a focus on personal injury. He has worked on personal injury and sovereign immunity litigation in addition to experience in family, estate, and criminal law. He earned a J.D. from the University of Baltimore and has worked in legal offices and non-profits in Maryland, Texas, and North Carolina. He has also earned an MFA in screenwriting from Chapman Univer...
Jeffrey Johnson
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Travis Thompson has been a licensed insurance agent for nearly five years. After obtaining his life and health insurance licenses, he began working for Symmetry Financial Group as a State Licensed Field Underwriter. In this position, he learned the coverage options and limits surrounding mortgage protection. He advised clients on the coverage needed to protect them in the event of a death, critica...
Travis Thompson
Updated September 2024
If your car is declared a total loss, you might be asking, “Can I still drive it?” While the answer can vary by state, understanding the regulations is crucial. Driving a totaled car involves obtaining a salvage title and meeting insurance requirements. For the best rates on salvage title insurance, explore top companies with competitive coverage.
If your vehicle is declared a total loss but still drivable, you might be able to drive it depending on your state. Some states require insurers to report total loss vehicles to the DMV or BMV, and you may need a salvage title. Read our “How Does a Moving Violation Affect Car Insurance?” to learn more.
Our guide covers everything about driving a total loss car and the auto insurance coverage required.
If you want to insure a vehicle that’s been declared a total loss, enter your ZIP code in the free online quote tool above to compare the best companies in your area.
- Driving a totaled car requires a salvage title and state inspection
- Salvage title insurance typically offers only liability coverage
- Compare quotes from top insurers for the best salvage title rates
You Can Still Drive Your Car if It Is Declared a Total Loss
The short answer is yes, but you can’t drive it right away. You can drive a car that’s declared a total loss legally by getting your salvage title cleared by your local DMV, and you’ll need the minimum requirements for auto insurance in your state.
Read more: Cost of Living by State
Total Loss Explained
Total loss is when an insurance claims adjuster estimates that it’s cost-efficient to replace your car because the repairs would cost more than what the car is worth.
In other words, a total loss occurs when it would cost less money to replace a car than to repair the damaged one.
If the vehicle is running fine, you can drive it if you get a salvage title. However, you’ll need to sift through a few technicalities before you do.
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Understanding the Implications of a Drivable Total Loss
If you find yourself with a car totaled but still drivable, you might wonder what your options are. When a car is totaled but still drivable, it means the cost of repairs exceeds the car’s value, but it remains operational. Many people ask, “if my car is declared a total loss, can I still drive it?” The answer depends on the state laws and your insurance company.
While driving a totaled car may be allowed in certain circumstances, you must be cautious. It’s essential to verify whether it is illegal to drive a totaled car in your state and whether you need to obtain a DMV salvage inspection in California or any other state-specific documentation like a DMV salvage certificate. To learn more, read our “Car Accident Lawyer: When To Hire After An Accident“.
In cases where you have a drivable total loss, taking your car to an auto body shop can help you assess the extent of the damage. However, keep in mind that driving a totaled car could impact your insurance coverage. Before making any decisions, it’s crucial to use tools like the actual cash value calculator to determine the vehicle’s worth.
In states like Iowa, auto salvage in Iowa might offer alternatives, such as selling a wrecked car to action salvage cars or considering accident car repair options. No matter the route you choose, always ensure your decisions align with state regulations and safety standards.
Here’s What Happens After Your Car Is Declared a Total Loss
Finding the Best Car Insurance for Salvage Titles
When dealing with a vehicle that has been declared a total loss, finding the best car insurance for salvage title becomes a priority. Vehicles with a branded title can be more challenging to insure, but there are companies known for offering best deals on car insurance specifically for such situations. Understanding the branded title meaning in car insurance is crucial, as it signifies that the vehicle has undergone significant damage and may impact your coverage options.
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For those looking for the cheapest insurance for a salvage title, it’s important to shop around and compare different providers to find the best insurance for salvage cars. Insuring a salvage title vehicle often comes with higher premiums, but some companies specialize in offering competitive rates for these types of cars. Read our “What If I Miss A Premium Payment—Do I Lose My Insurance?” to gain further insights.
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Dealing with a Totaled Car: Steps and Options
If your car got totaled in an accident and the car is not drivable, you may be faced with the decision to either let the insurance company take it or explore the cost to buy back a totaled car. Even if the car is a total loss but you’re not at fault scenario applies, where you weren’t responsible for the accident, navigating the aftermath requires understanding your options. If your car has been totaled and you choose to keep it, you’ll need to get the car from insurance company after settling your claim.
However, remember that car getting totaled can impact your insurance rates moving forward, so it’s essential to make informed decisions.
Buying a Totaled Car Back From the Insurance Company
The answer is yes. You can keep the vehicle, and the insurance company pays you for the ACV of the vehicle. The auto insurance company issues a salvage title, and you’ll be responsible for making repairs to the car if you decide to keep it.
If the total loss car is still drivable, you’ll need to get it repaired. The ACV check is a good start to getting your total loss vehicle repaired, but total loss cars aren’t permitted to get on the road without car insurance.
How to Get a Salvage Title Cleared
Can you drive a vehicle with a salvage title? Yes, you can. You can’t drive a total loss car unless you have a salvage title and auto insurance.
Before you start shopping for car insurance, you’ll need to show your salvage title to your local DMV or BMV. Go to your local DMV and request an inspection for your total loss car.
DMV or BMV employees determine whether your vehicle is safe to drive. Therefore, you must get repairs on a salvage vehicle before taking it to the DMV for inspection.
Also, you may have to pay an inspection fee, which varies by state.
If the total loss vehicle doesn’t pass the inspection, you’ll need to get the car repaired based on your state’s standards. Return to the DMV and have it inspected again afterward.
A salvage vehicle that’s cleared to drive on the road requires auto insurance. However, you won’t be able to get full coverage.
Insuring a Total Loss Vehicle
You can insure a total loss vehicle as long as it’s drivable and has adequate repairs.
Some total loss cars aren’t drivable after an accident. So how can you get insurance on a totaled car?
Once you have a salvage title cleared, you can start shopping for car insurance. You may have a hard time getting an auto insurance policy, though. Read our “Car Accident Mediation” for further insights.
A Totaled Car Can be Insured
Totaled cars can only be insured after the DMV clears the vehicle as a drivable car. But what type of auto insurance covers a totaled vehicle?
Auto insurance companies provide liability-only auto insurance for salvage title vehicles.
Why liability-only car insurance? It’s not worth the risk to insure a total loss vehicle with full coverage. Although the panels and interior cabin may look fine, total loss cars have underlying issues.
Liability Auto Insurance Cost
Liability is made up of bodily injury liability and property damage liability, and it varies by state.
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) provides a summary of auto insurance costs per year. We’ve summarized one of its studies to focus on liability insurance costs per month. Let’s look at the average cost of liability car insurance by state.
Liability Auto Insurance Average Rates by State| States | Monthly Rates |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $31 |
| Alaska | $46 |
| Arizona | $41 |
| Arkansas | $32 |
| California | $39 |
| Colorado | $40 |
| Connecticut | $53 |
| Delaware | $65 |
| District of Columbia | $52 |
| Florida | $70 |
| Georgia | $41 |
| Hawaii | $38 |
| Idaho | $28 |
| Illinois | $36 |
| Indiana | $31 |
| Iowa | $24 |
| Kansas | $29 |
| Kentucky | $43 |
| Louisiana | $61 |
| Maine | $28 |
| Maryland | $50 |
| Massachusetts | $49 |
| Michigan | $60 |
| Minnesota | $37 |
| Mississippi | $36 |
| Missouri | $33 |
| Montana | $32 |
| Nebraska | $29 |
| Nevada | $54 |
| New Hampshire | $33 |
| New Jersey | $72 |
| New Mexico | $39 |
| New York | $65 |
| North Carolina | $30 |
| North Dakota | $24 |
| Ohio | $31 |
| Oklahoma | $37 |
| Oregon | $46 |
| Pennsylvania | $41 |
| Rhode Island | $60 |
| South Carolina | $41 |
| South Dakota | $24 |
| Tennessee | $33 |
| Texas | $42 |
| Utah | $39 |
| Vermont | $28 |
| Virginia | $34 |
| Washington | $47 |
| West Virginia | $42 |
| Wisconsin | $30 |
| Wyoming | $27 |
| U.S. Average | $43 |
Why are these auto insurance rates important? The monthly liability auto insurance rates give you an idea of how much you’ll pay for salvage car insurance.
However, auto insurance quotes vary for each person. Age, driving record, credit history, commute, and even marital status can affect your car insurance rates.
If you want to learn more, read our articles to help you save money on car insurance.
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Driving a Car Declared a Total Loss After an At-Fault Accident
If you’re at fault in an accident, you can only get coverage through collision insurance. Liability-only coverage won’t cover damage or injuries from an accident where you’re mostly at fault.
When someone else is at fault, the other party’s liability car insurance coverage pays for your total loss vehicle. You can accept the check and keep the totaled car, or you can accept the ACV check and sell the salvage vehicle to the insurance company.
Read more: Are there any premium discounts for adding certain life insurance riders?
Key Takeaways on Driving a Total Loss Vehicle
Can you drive a totaled car? If it’s drivable, yes, you can. However, you’ll need a salvage title to be cleared with your local DMV and liability car insurance to drive it.
Auto insurance for a totaled car can be tricky. Repairs after a total loss may last for a few weeks to a few years. Car insurance companies don’t like to take chances on totaled vehicles, so they won’t allow you to get full coverage for a salvage car.
The only auto insurance available for totaled cars is liability coverage. However, your car insurance costs depend on the company you’re with. Secure cheap auto insurance, shop around. To gain further insights, read our “How to Fight Your Insurance Company Over a Totaled Car“.
Now that you know more about cars declared a total loss and how to insure them, use our free online quote tool below to compare the best companies in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive a totaled car?
While you can drive a totaled car if it’s still operational, doing so might have legal and insurance implications. Your insurance company may mark it as a “salvage vehicle,” which could affect your ability to obtain insurance coverage and the vehicle’s resale value.
Do I need to notify the DMV if my car is totaled in Colorado?
Yes, in Colorado, you must notify the DMV if your car is totaled. You will need to update the vehicle’s title to reflect its salvage status and follow any state-specific procedures.
Get the right car insurance at the best price — enter your ZIP code below to shop for coverage from the top insurers.
Do I need to notify the DMV if my car is totaled in Georgia?
Yes, in Georgia, notifying the DMV about a totaled car is required. The vehicle’s title must be updated to indicate that it has been deemed a total loss, which helps manage future legal and insurance matters.
What happens when your car is totaled but still drivable?
When your car is totaled by your insurance company but still drivable, it means the cost to repair it exceeds its value. However, if the car is still drivable, you may continue to use it. You should contact your insurance company to understand the implications, such as whether the car will be marked as “salvage” or “totaled,” and how it might affect your future insurance coverage.
For more information, read our “Save Money by Comparing Online Car Insurance Quotes“.
Do I need to notify the DMV if my car is totaled in Texas?
Yes, in Texas, you need to notify the DMV if your car is totaled. You must update the vehicle’s title to reflect its total loss status, which is necessary for proper record-keeping and to avoid any potential legal issues.
Get the right car insurance at the best price — enter your ZIP code below to shop for coverage from the top insurers.
Can you keep a totaled car in Maryland?
Yes, you can keep a totaled car in Maryland, but it must be updated with a salvage title. You should follow state regulations for salvage vehicles and be aware of the potential insurance and resale implications.
Do I need to notify the DMV if my car is totaled?
Yes, in most states, you are required to notify the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) if your car is totaled. This process involves updating your vehicle’s title and registration status to reflect that it has been deemed a total loss. This helps prevent future legal and insurance issues.
To learn more, read our “How to Determine Your Car Accident Claim Value“.
Can you legally drive a totaled car?
Driving a totaled car is legal if it is still operational, but you must adhere to state regulations and insurance requirements. Ensure the car meets safety standards and that you are aware of any implications for insurance coverage.
Do I need to notify the DMV if my car is totaled in Illinois?
Yes, in Illinois, you are required to notify the DMV if your car is totaled. You must update the vehicle’s title to reflect its status as a total loss, ensuring proper documentation and avoiding legal issues.
How can I keep my vehicle if the insurance company totals it?
Keep your vehicle after a total loss, ask the auto insurance company to give you the salvage title to your totaled car and the ACV of your vehicle.
To learn more, read our “Car Insurance for a Stolen Car“.
Is a salvage car worth keeping?
Should I notify the DMV that my car is declared a total loss?
Is it a good idea to drive a total loss vehicle?
Are car repairs on a total loss car worth it?
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