Total loss and diminished value by damage type
The loss cause changes which comparable-sale, condition-adjustment, and title-branding rules apply. These guides walk through the mechanics carrier by carrier for each damage pattern we cover.
Damage guides
Hail Damage Total Loss: When Insurers Total a Hail-Damaged Car
When does hail damage total a car? How carriers calculate ACV on hail losses, paintless dent repair vs total loss, salvage retention, and how to push back on a low offer.
Read guideFlood Damage Total Loss: Why Flooded Cars Almost Always Total
Flood-damaged vehicles almost always total out. Here's why, what comprehensive covers, how ACV is calculated, and how to dispute a low offer on a flooded car.
Read guideRear-End Collision Diminished Value: What Your Car Lost in Resale
Rear-end accidents cause some of the highest diminished value losses. Here's how DV is calculated on a rear-end claim, who pays, and how to recover it from the at-fault insurer.
Read guideAlso useful
Damage type is one input to a valuation. Vehicle-specific option packages and the appraisal-clause process usually matter as much.