When a Car Is a Total Loss in Virginia
How Virginia decides a car is a total loss, salvage title rules, and how to complain about a claim.
Short answer: A salvage vehicle includes any late model vehicle acquired by an insurer in the claims process (other than a stolen vehicle), or damaged so that its estimated repair cost (excluding towing, storage, rental and diminished value) exceeds its actual cash value minus its salvage value; Va. Code § 46.2-1600
| Total loss rules | A salvage vehicle includes any late model vehicle acquired by an insurer in the claims process (other than a stolen vehicle), or damaged so that its estimated repair cost (excluding towing, storage, rental and diminished value) exceeds its actual cash value minus its salvage value; a recovered stolen vehicle acquired by an insurer is salvage if repair costs exceed 75% of its actual cash value. A nonrepairable vehicle has no value except as parts and scrap. Source: Va. Code § 46.2-1600 |
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| Complaints about an insurer | File a complaint with the State Corporation Commission's Bureau of Insurance through its online Insurance Complaint Portal (complaints are not accepted by phone or email). Property and Casualty Consumer Services: 804-371-9185. |
More Virginia car insurance & vehicle laws
- Minimum Car Insurance in Virginia
- Driving Without Insurance in Virginia
- SR-22 Insurance in Virginia
- Transferring a Car Title in Virginia
- All Virginia car insurance & vehicle laws rules
FAQ
When is a car a total loss in Virginia?
A salvage vehicle includes any late model vehicle acquired by an insurer in the claims process (other than a stolen vehicle), or damaged so that its estimated repair cost (excluding towing, storage, rental and diminished value) exceeds its actual cash value minus its salvage value; a recovered stolen vehicle acquired by an insurer is salvage if repair costs exceed 75% of its actual cash value. A nonrepairable vehicle has no value except as parts and scrap.
How do you file a complaint against a car insurance company in Virginia?
File a complaint with the State Corporation Commission's Bureau of Insurance through its online Insurance Complaint Portal (complaints are not accepted by phone or email). Property and Casualty Consumer Services: 804-371-9185.
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.