When a Car Is a Total Loss in Washington
How Washington decides a car is a total loss, salvage title rules, and how to complain about a claim.
Short answer: A total loss is when a car isn't repairable or repairs cost more than it's worth. The insurer owes actual cash value plus taxes, license fees and transfer fees, valued under state total loss rules (replacement with a comparable local car or the cash value of comparable cars). Office of the Insurance Commissioner, What happens after your car gets totaled; Rev. Code Wash. § 46.12.600
| Total loss rules | A total loss is when a car isn't repairable or repairs cost more than it's worth. The insurer owes actual cash value plus taxes, license fees and transfer fees, valued under state total loss rules (replacement with a comparable local car or the cash value of comparable cars). Insurers must report total-loss vehicles to the Department of Licensing within 15 days after settling the claim; owners must report a destroyed vehicle within 15 days. For vehicles six years or older, the report must state whether the pre-loss value was at least the market value threshold ($6,790 or higher as set by rule). Reporting duties: https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=46.12.600 |
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| Complaints about an insurer | File a complaint online with the Office of the Insurance Commissioner, or call 800-562-6900 (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday). |
More Washington car insurance & vehicle laws
- Minimum Car Insurance in Washington
- Driving Without Insurance in Washington
- SR-22 Insurance in Washington
- Transferring a Car Title in Washington
- All Washington car insurance & vehicle laws rules
FAQ
When is a car a total loss in Washington?
A total loss is when a car isn't repairable or repairs cost more than it's worth. The insurer owes actual cash value plus taxes, license fees and transfer fees, valued under state total loss rules (replacement with a comparable local car or the cash value of comparable cars). Insurers must report total-loss vehicles to the Department of Licensing within 15 days after settling the claim; owners must report a destroyed vehicle within 15 days. For vehicles six years or older, the report must state whether the pre-loss value was at least the market value threshold ($6,790 or higher as set by rule).
How do you file a complaint against a car insurance company in Washington?
File a complaint online with the Office of the Insurance Commissioner, or call 800-562-6900 (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday).
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.