What If My Car Is Declared a Total Loss but I Want to Keep It?

Find Law Fast Team
Jul 27
2 min read

When your car is declared a total loss after an accident, the insurance company usually takes the vehicle and pays you its value. But what if you don’t want to give it up? Can you keep a totaled car? The short answer: yes, but there are trade-offs.

1. How Keeping a Totaled Car Works

If you want to keep your car, the insurance payout is reduced by the salvage value (what the car is worth at auction).

Example: If your car’s value is $10,000 and the salvage value is $2,000, you’d receive $8,000 and keep the car.

2. Salvage Titles

A totaled car that you keep is usually issued a salvage title.

This marks the vehicle as significantly damaged.
Salvage cars are harder to sell and may not be insurable until repaired.
Even after repairs, it may only qualify for a rebuilt title, which still lowers resale value.

3. Repairing a Totaled Car

You can repair and drive a totaled car, but:

Repairs must pass state safety inspections.
Costs may exceed what you saved from keeping it.
Future insurance coverage may be limited to liability only.

4. Why People Choose to Keep a Totaled Car

Sentimental value (family cars, classics, custom builds).
Repair costs may be manageable if you can do the work yourself.
Desire to avoid taking on a new car loan.

5. Risks of Keeping a Totaled Car

Safety concerns — the car may never drive like it did before.
Difficulty reselling or trading in.
Higher out-of-pocket costs in future accidents.
Lower insurance payouts down the road.

The Bottom Line

Yes, you can keep a totaled car, but it comes with reduced payouts, salvage titles, and long-term risks. Make sure the decision makes financial and safety sense.

👉 If your car was declared a total loss and you’re weighing whether to keep it, fill out our quick questionnaire. FindLawFast will connect you with the guidance you need.

Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal or financial advice. Salvage and rebuilt title rules vary by state. Always consult a qualified professional before deciding to keep a totaled car.