How is vehicle total loss appraisal determined?
3 Answers
After a vehicle is scrapped, the organization or individual must submit a scrapping application. The organization or individual should bring the vehicle's registration certificate (or a copy) and the ID card of the person surrendering the vehicle to the Municipal Metal Recycling Corporation to obtain a vehicle scrapping recovery certificate. With the vehicle scrapping recovery certificate, registration certificate, license plates, and other relevant documents, proceed to the Municipal Vehicle Management Office to complete the household registration cancellation. Use the vehicle scrapping recovery certificate to handle the cancellation of road maintenance fees and freight-related fixed asset procedures at the Transportation Bureau and Operation Department.
The assessment method for vehicle total loss primarily compares repair costs with the vehicle's value. Based on my experience handling multiple cases in the insurance industry, the claims adjuster first conducts a comprehensive inspection of body damage, documenting all damaged components such as the engine, doors, and even the frame, then uses professional tools to estimate total parts and labor costs. Next, they determine the vehicle's actual value based on its model year, mileage, and market price. If repair costs exceed 70-80% of the vehicle's value, or if there's severe frame deformation, deployed airbags, or other structural damage, the vehicle will be declared a total loss. This approach not only saves owners from exorbitant repair bills but also influences insurance settlement decisions—receiving cash compensation after a total loss is far more economical than forced repairs, while eliminating potential driving hazards.
Last time my old car got its entire front end smashed in an accident, and the insurance company sent a technician to take photos and measurements on site. They estimated repairs would cost over 30,000 yuan, but the used car valuation was less than 20,000 yuan, so it was directly declared a total loss due to being uneconomical and high-risk. I was quite struck by how simple the process was—just filling out some forms and waiting for approval to get the payout. I think car owners should be aware of this rule; checking the car's value data in advance can save a lot of hassle. Additionally, to expand on this, structural damage like a bent chassis is also a common reason for totaling a car, as repairs might leave it unstable. In such cases, it's better to get a new car for peace of mind.
