When a Car Is a Total Loss in Maryland
How Maryland decides a car is a total loss, salvage title rules, and how to complain about a claim.
Short answer: A vehicle is "salvage" if collision, fire, flood or other damage makes the cost to repair it for highway use exceed 75% of its fair market value before the damage, or if an insurer acquires it in a claim settlement. Md. Code, Transp. §11-152; §13-506; MIA Consumer Guide to Auto Insurance
| Total loss rules | A vehicle is "salvage" if collision, fire, flood or other damage makes the cost to repair it for highway use exceed 75% of its fair market value before the damage, or if an insurer acquires it in a claim settlement. An insurer that acquires a vehicle through a claim settlement must apply for a salvage certificate within 10 days after settlement. An owner may choose to keep the damaged vehicle and receive a salvage title. Salvage certificate: https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gtr§ion=13-506&enactments=false ; owner retention: https://insurance.maryland.gov/Consumer/Documents/publications/autoinsuranceguide.pdf |
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| Complaints about an insurer | File an auto insurance complaint with the Maryland Insurance Administration through its secure online complaint portal (enterprise.insurance.maryland.gov/consumer), or download a Property and Casualty complaint form to mail or fax. Questions: 1-800-492-6116 (toll free) or 410-468-2000; TTY 1-800-735-2258. Address: 200 St. Paul Place, Suite 2700, Baltimore, MD 21202. |
More Maryland car insurance & vehicle laws
- Minimum Car Insurance in Maryland
- Driving Without Insurance in Maryland
- SR-22 Insurance in Maryland
- Transferring a Car Title in Maryland
- All Maryland car insurance & vehicle laws rules
FAQ
When is a car a total loss in Maryland?
A vehicle is "salvage" if collision, fire, flood or other damage makes the cost to repair it for highway use exceed 75% of its fair market value before the damage, or if an insurer acquires it in a claim settlement. An insurer that acquires a vehicle through a claim settlement must apply for a salvage certificate within 10 days after settlement. An owner may choose to keep the damaged vehicle and receive a salvage title.
How do you file a complaint against a car insurance company in Maryland?
File an auto insurance complaint with the Maryland Insurance Administration through its secure online complaint portal (enterprise.insurance.maryland.gov/consumer), or download a Property and Casualty complaint form to mail or fax. Questions: 1-800-492-6116 (toll free) or 410-468-2000; TTY 1-800-735-2258. Address: 200 St. Paul Place, Suite 2700, Baltimore, MD 21202.
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.