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If your car took heavy hail, you may be wondering whether the insurance company will total it. Here’s how total losses work in Oklahoma, and what we do to keep repairable cars on the road.

What “total loss” means

An insurer declares a total loss when repairing the car would cost too much compared with what it’s worth. Instead of paying for repairs, the insurer pays you the car’s actual cash value, minus your deductible, and the car gets a salvage title.

The Oklahoma total-loss threshold

In Oklahoma, a car is generally totaled when the repair cost reaches about 60% of the vehicle’s value. That’s a lower line than many states, which means heavy hail on an older car can push it over faster than you’d expect.

How we keep repairable cars from totaling

When a car is repairable and close to the 60% line, we work with the adjuster to keep it from being totaled. That usually means building the estimate around paintless dent repair instead of panel replacement, documenting which panels can be saved, and making sure the repair plan reflects what the car actually needs.

PDR is what makes the difference. Replacing and repainting panels drives cost up quickly. Saving those panels keeps the repair under the line.

When a car can’t be saved

We’ll be straight with you. If a car is heavily damaged, needs many panels replaced and has high miles, there’s not much any shop can do to keep it from totaling. We’ll tell you that up front so you can plan.

If your car is totaled

  • The insurer pays the car’s actual cash value, minus your deductible.
  • If you have a loan, the lender is paid first, and you get anything left over.
  • You may be able to keep the car with a salvage title. It would need to be repaired and inspected before it’s back on the road.
  • If the insurer’s valuation seems low, comparable sales for your trim and mileage are your best evidence.

Before the adjuster comes out

  1. Get a free hail inspection first.
  2. Ask us for a PDR-first estimate.
  3. Let us talk with the adjuster about the repair plan.

Worried your car might total?

Call or text 405-546-3747 before your adjuster’s visit. We’ll look at the car and tell you honestly where it stands. Visit us at 11305 S. I-44 Service Rd, Suite B, Oklahoma City, or our Goldsby location.

This guide is general information, not legal or insurance advice. Your policy’s terms and your insurer’s decision control your claim.