When a Car Is a Total Loss in Arizona
How Arizona decides a car is a total loss, salvage title rules, and how to complain about a claim.
Short answer: Arizona does not set a percentage threshold: a "salvage vehicle" is one that has been stolen, wrecked, destroyed, flood or water damaged or otherwise damaged to the extent the owner, leasing company, financial institution or insurer considers it uneconomical to repair. Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 28-2091
| Total loss rules | Arizona does not set a percentage threshold: a "salvage vehicle" is one that has been stolen, wrecked, destroyed, flood or water damaged or otherwise damaged to the extent the owner, leasing company, financial institution or insurer considers it uneconomical to repair. When an insurer acquires a vehicle in a total loss settlement, it must apply for a salvage, stolen-vehicle or nonrepairable certificate of title within 30 days after the title is assigned to it. An owner who keeps a salvage or nonrepairable vehicle must obtain the branded title before receiving the total loss settlement. A nonrepairable title cancels the vehicle's registration. Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 28-2091 |
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| Complaints about an insurer | Complaints go to the Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions (Director of Insurance). A policyholder who believes a cancellation or nonrenewal is arbitrary or unlawful, or that the required notice or reasons were not given, may file a written objection with the Director within 10 days after receiving the notice; the Director must decide within 15 days of receiving it. Re-verified 2026-10-27. |
More Arizona car insurance & vehicle laws
- Minimum Car Insurance in Arizona
- Driving Without Insurance in Arizona
- SR-22 Insurance in Arizona
- Transferring a Car Title in Arizona
- All Arizona car insurance & vehicle laws rules
FAQ
When is a car a total loss in Arizona?
Arizona does not set a percentage threshold: a "salvage vehicle" is one that has been stolen, wrecked, destroyed, flood or water damaged or otherwise damaged to the extent the owner, leasing company, financial institution or insurer considers it uneconomical to repair. When an insurer acquires a vehicle in a total loss settlement, it must apply for a salvage, stolen-vehicle or nonrepairable certificate of title within 30 days after the title is assigned to it. An owner who keeps a salvage or nonrepairable vehicle must obtain the branded title before receiving the total loss settlement. A nonrepairable title cancels the vehicle's registration.
How do you file a complaint against a car insurance company in Arizona?
Complaints go to the Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions (Director of Insurance). A policyholder who believes a cancellation or nonrenewal is arbitrary or unlawful, or that the required notice or reasons were not given, may file a written objection with the Director within 10 days after receiving the notice; the Director must decide within 15 days of receiving it.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.