What are your options when a car is totaled?

Answer 1

When a vehicle is considered a "Total Loss' there are a few things you can do. If you have full coverage on the vehicle or if a third-party was the cause of the total loss then the insurance company will pay you the fair market value or retail value of your vehicle less any prior damage or other factors that may reduce the value of your vehicle. If they offer you a settlement then they will issue a check. You might have the option to retain the vehicle for salvage but they will reduce your claim by that value amount. If the car is totalled, it's totalled. You cannot title or register the vehicle normally after that point.