what happens to a car after an accident

[ElliotMarie]

After an accident, a car enters a multi-stage process determined by the severity of the damage. The core outcome hinges on a repair-versus-total decision made by an insurance adjuster. If repair costs exceed a certain percentage of the car's pre-accident Actual Cash Value (ACV)—known as the total loss threshold, often between 70-80%—the insurer will declare it a total loss. A repairable car goes to a body shop for restoration, while a totaled car is sold for salvage, potentially being rebuilt or stripped for parts. The vehicle's history is permanently marked with an accident record on its title, significantly impacting its resale value.

The initial step involves a professional damage assessment. An insurance adjuster meticulously inspects the vehicle to create a repair estimate. This involves evaluating both visible damage (like dents and broken glass) and potential hidden structural or mechanical issues. Modern cars with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) require specialized calibration for sensors and cameras after even minor collisions, adding to repair complexity and cost.

The decision to repair or total the car is strictly financial. If the estimated repair costs, plus the car's projected salvage value, meet or exceed the ACV, the insurer will total it. This avoids costly repairs on a depreciated asset. For a repaired car, the work must meet specific safety standards before it can be deemed roadworthy again.

A car declared a total loss is typically sold at a salvage auction. It may be purchased by a rebuilder who fixes it to apply for a "rebuilt" title, or by a dismantler for parts. A vehicle with a branded title (e.g., "salvage" or "rebuilt") will always be worth less than a comparable car with a clean history due to perceived risks about its safety and longevity.

Factor	Description	Typical Data Points / Outcomes
Total Loss Threshold	The percentage of a car's value at which repairs become uneconomical.	Varies by state and insurer: 70% (TX), 75% (CA), 80% (NY), 100% (OK).
Diminished Value	The loss in market value after repairs, even if perfect.	Can range from 10% to 50% of the pre-accident value, depending on severity.
ADAS Calibration Cost	Cost to recalibrate sensors, cameras, and radar after repairs.	$200 - $1,500+ per system (e.g., forward collision warning, lane keeping).
Frame Damage Impact	Damage to the vehicle's structural skeleton.	Often a key factor in totaling a car; repairs can cost $5,000 - $15,000+.
Salvage Value	The amount a damaged car fetches at a salvage auction.	Typically 15% - 40% of the car's pre-accident ACV.
Airbag Replacement	Cost to replace deployed airbags and related components.	$1,000 - $5,000+ per airbag, depending on the vehicle model.

[MacCharles]

From my experience, it's all about the insurance paperwork. You file a claim, an adjuster comes out to look at your car, and they run the numbers. If fixing it costs more than what the car was worth, they cut you a check for that value and take the car. It's a hassle, but that's the process. The car then gets a "salvage" title. If someone buys and fixes it, the title changes to "rebuilt," but it's never the same. That accident stays on its record forever, making it tough to sell later without taking a big hit on the price.

[SanMaddox]

People often forget about the hidden stuff. Sure, you can pound out a fender and repaint it, but what about the unibody frame? If that's bent, the car might never drive straight again. And it's not just metal. Modern cars are packed with sensors for safety features. A minor fender-bender can knock a camera out of alignment. Fixing that isn't just a simple repair; it requires expensive recalibration at a dealer. A car can look perfect on the surface but have underlying issues that affect its safety and performance for years to come.