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Accidents & Loss

Information about car accidents, total loss situations, theft, and other vehicle losses, including what insurance typically covers after unexpected events.

When Should You Pay Out of Pocket Instead of Filing a Car Insurance Claim?

Driver comparing repair costs before deciding whether to file a car insurance claim

Knowing when not to file a car insurance claim usually starts with the size and certainty of the loss. Paying out of pocket can make sense when damage is minor, …

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How Does Car Insurance Determine Fault After an Accident?

Insurance adjuster reviewing evidence to determine fault after a car accident

How car insurance determines fault after an accident usually comes down to an investigation of what happened. The insurer reviews available evidence, considers the rules that apply in the state, …

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What Is Diminished Value After a Car Accident?

Driver comparing repair records and vehicle value after a car accident.

Diminished value after a car accident is the possible loss in market value that remains after a damaged vehicle has been repaired. The car may look fixed and drive normally, …

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What Happens If You Keep a Totaled Car?

Damaged car with keys, claim paperwork, and salvage title documents after a total loss.

If you keep a totaled car, the insurer may let you retain the vehicle, but the settlement usually changes. Instead of receiving the full total-loss settlement and giving up the …

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Total Loss in Car Insurance: How It’s Decided and Paid

Claims adjuster reviewing damage photos beside a heavily damaged car after an accident on a clean white background

Many drivers hear the phrase total loss in car insurance and assume it means the car is completely destroyed. In practice, that is not always the reason. A vehicle can …

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