To Repair or Not to Repair? Dealing with Total Loss Cars

Posted on September 18, 2023 by cincinnatijunk

When your beloved vehicle is involved in a serious accident, the aftermath can be confusing and stressful. One of the most significant decisions you might face is whether to repair your car or accept it as a total loss. In the insurance world, a car is deemed a total loss if the cost to repair it exceeds its actual cash value (ACV).

But is it worth fixing a so-called ‘total loss’ car, or are you better off selling it off as a junk car? This blog post aims to provide clarity on this challenging dilemma, exploring the factors you need to consider before taking a call on your junk car’s future.

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If You Want to Repair a Total Loss Car

If your vehicle has been classified as a total loss, the first step should be to assess the damage. Get an estimate from a mechanic and make sure it is in line with what your insurance company has declared as its actual cash value. If you decide to repair the junk car despite being at a total loss, you will need to bring together funds and resources for the repairs. This could include your insurance provider, as well as money from other avenues such as personal funds or a credit card.

But before you decide to repair a total loss junk vehicle, be sure to consider the following points:

► Will repaired parts always be of the same quality as new ones?

► How much are you expected to pay out-of-pocket, and how much will insurance cover?

► How long do you plan to keep the car after repairs?

► Will you be able to resell it at a higher price than when it was totaled?

► Are there any risks associated with driving a car previously damaged in an accident (airbags deployed, structural integrity compromised, etc.)?

Don’t Want to Repair a Totaled Car?

If you think your vehicle is not worth repairing, then it’s best to sell it as scrap and use the money for something else. You can even donate the vehicle to a charity organization! The next step will be finding a potential Cincinnati junk car buyer who is willing to pay its market value despite its damaged condition. Once you identify interested parties, research them to make sure they are reputable and trustworthy.

Benefits of Selling a Totaled Car to an Auto Scrap Yard

Totaling a vehicle can be devastating – but there is a silver lining. Instead of leaving your totaled car to rot in your driveway, you can sell it to an auto scrap yard. Not only will you be able to free up space, but you’ll also be able to make a profit. Auto scrap yards are known for providing market-based payments for junk cars, making them a top choice for individuals looking to get rid of their wrecked rides. These junk car buyers specialize in dismantling wrecked vehicles, salvaging any still-functioning parts, and recycling all other materials. By choosing to sell your junked vehicle to an auto salvage yard, you’ll not only be doing yourself a favor, but you’ll also be making an Eco-friendly choice by reducing waste and promoting the reuse of materials.

Final Thoughts

Whether you go for repair or sale, the decision of what to do with your junk car should be based on your financial situation, a thorough assessment of the car’s damage, and the expectation of how long the vehicle will last. If you’re still finding it hard to decide whether to repair or not to repair a total loss car, consider seeking advice from an experienced auto mechanic.

If you are prepared to kick that totaled car to the curb, we can give you the best price in Cincinnati, Ohio. Contact GC’s Junk Cars at 513-991-4776 today and we’ll provide a free, no-obligation quote for your junk car! We look forward to helping you get cash for your total loss car today.

Did You Total a Car With an Unpaid Loan?

Posted on April 26, 2022 by cincinnatijunk

Totaling a car is panic-worthy enough, but when you still owe on the auto loan, your level of anxiety can reach alarming levels. Fortunately, there are options available to help you make it right once again. Continue below to learn what to do if you still owe on a totaled vehicle, plus how to earn fast cash for your junk car in Cincinnati.

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Brief Explanation of a Total Loss Vehicle

Although it can vary from state to state, a car is deemed totaled if it meets one or more of the following circumstances: 1) the cost to repair it exceeds the actual cash value (ACV), 2) repairing it would be dangerous, or 3) it meets the state’s total loss guidelines. So, you know your car is totaled, but you still owe on the car loan. What do you do? Well, you have at least 3 viable options. The course you choose will depend on your current economic condition, state regulation, and the discretion of the insurance company.

How to Deal With a Totaled Car You Still Owe Money On

► Pay Off the Remaining Auto Loan Balance

An auto loan or financing agreement does not disappear when a car is totaled. Unfortunately, you are still legally obligated to pay. Sure, paying off the remaining auto loan balance is easier said than done, but nonetheless, a viable option worth mentioning. By satisfying the remainder of the loan or financing plan, you can avoid any future financing problems or approvals. You can either pay the balance in full or continue making your regular scheduled payments.

► Negotiate a Deal With the Insurance Company

If you cannot afford to pay off the auto loan or have barely made any payments as of yet due to it being a brand new car, you might be able to strike a deal with the insurance company. Do your research to see how much your car’s actual cash value is using trusted, certified sources like KBB or Autotrader, then use this data to prove that your vehicle is worth more than what the insurance company is willing to pay.

What NOT To Do

The above two options are what you can do after totaling a vehicle you still owe on, but there is one thing you should not do. It is strongly discouraged to roll the remaining auto loan balance into a new loan. This will only increase your interest payments, making it harder to pay it off in a reasonable time frame. Keep your auto loan and other loans separate.

If you are not happy with the insurance company offer for your totaled vehicle, sell it for cash on the spot to a trusted Ohio auto salvage yard! Contact GC’s Junk Cars at 513-991-4776 for professional cash for totaled cars in Cincinnati Ohio. We provide free junk car removal and instant offers! Request a free offer today!

Will My Insurance Cover Towing Fees for a Totaled Car?

Posted on January 27, 2022 by cincinnatijunk

Whether you totaled your car today or in the recent past, you can safely assume you will not be able to drive it where it needs to go. Most people have their totaled vehicles towed to their homes, while others choose to have their cars and trucks towed directly to an auto body shop. In either case, you might be wondering who is responsible for the towing expenses. Will you pay for towing out of pocket and get reimbursed by your insurance carrier later on? Will your insurance company even pay you back? These are good questions to ask yourself considering you could possibly get stuck with the immediate, non-negotiable expense.

Continue below to learn a little bit about auto insurance basics, namely when they might cover towing fees for a totaled car, but also what you can do if your carrier will not pay for a tow.

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State Minimum Liability for Car Insurance Coverage

All drivers in all states are required to have minimum liability car insurance coverage. If you choose to, you can upgrade from this basic, state-required level of auto insurance, which may come in handy in the case that you wreck or total your car. Here is a break down of common insurance coverages, plus whether or not they pay for totaled car towing:

▷ Minimum Liability Insurance – This type of car insurance coverage only covers bodily injury and properly damages for other drivers and their passengers. It does not cover your own injuries, nor does it cover property damages, including the damage to your car. This policy would not pay for towing service.

▷ Comprehensive Insurance – This insurance coverage will cover damages to your car when it is damaged by an incident other than an auto collision. For instance, if a tree falls on your car or a flash flood comes through, your insurance will cover the repairs to your vehicle. This insurance does not reimburse for towing expenses.

▷ Collision – Collision auto insurance can be added to your existing policy and will cover auto body repairs or vehicle replacement if you are in a car wreck. However, it may or may not cover towing costs. You must check with your carrier to confirm towing coverage.

▷ Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage – If you are hit by another driver who is not insured or doesn’t have enough car insurance coverage, this auto insurance will cover you. This may or may not cover towing expenses. However, in most cases, it does.

▷ Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP) – Also known as gap insurance, this type of auto insurance coverage will pay for remaining loan obligations in the case that you total your car. This does not cover towing in the case that you totaled your car.

▷ Roadside Assistance Coverage – When you want free or inclusive towing privileges in the case that you total your car, you will need to add roadside assistance coverage to your existing policy. Such coverage comes in different levels, such as basic or premium, and will cover most roadside emergency situations, such as flat tires, overheating engines, fuel fill-ups, locked keys in the car, fluid refills, and more.

Are you looking for a simple and speedy way to get free towing for your totaled car in Cincinnati? Contact GC’s Junk Cars at 513-991-4776 to sell a junk car to an experienced and friendly junk car buyer in Cincinnati, Ohio. We provided free junk car removal service!

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Frequently Asked Questions About Airbags

Posted on August 6, 2021 by cincinnatijunk

Automotive airbag systems are one of the most vital components in every vehicle, but when they deploy or defect, a car owner can be left with a lot of questions, including whether the car is totaled and if the airbag can be replaced or repaired. Continue reading to review some frequently asked questions about airbags, including what you can do after your car’s airbag has deployed.

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Airbag FAQS

Where are My Airbags Located?

The location of your car’s airbags will vary depending on the vehicle make and model. Modern vehicles are often designed with all or a variety of frontal, knee, side door, curtain, and torso airbags, and sometimes even inflatable seat belts.

How Much Does It Cost to Replace an Airbag?

Airbag prices varied bidding on a vehicle’s make and model, the type of airbag, and several other variables. However, the average cost of an airbag ranges between $400 and $800, but again this can differ depending on several factors. Also, some airbags are pricier than others. for instance, passenger side airbags are typically more expensive than curtain airbags. Overall, replacing an airbag is expensive, especially if you are replacing it because it deployed as a result of a car accident or collision.

What are the Signs of Defective Airbag?

If you suspect that your airbag sensor systems are defective or faulty in any way, there is really only one sign to look for, which is an illuminated airbag light on the dashboard there is really no way of confirming the condition of your airbag system without taking it into a local automotive repair shop for inspection.

Can I Purchase a Used Airbag to Replace My Deployed or Defective One?

Used airbags are a thing. If you need to replace your old or deployed airbag system with a another one, you can start to look at any of your local Cincinnati scrap yards for the best prices on used auto parts. You can also look at your local auto parts store for refurbished or OEM airbags. You can look forward to paying a lot less for used airbag compared to buying one brand-new. However, be sure that you are purchasing a quality, refurbished airbag that was pulled from a viable vehicle.

Is My Car Totaled if the Airbag Deploys?

For whatever reason your airbag deploys, whether from a car accident or some other type of unanticipated collision, there are some things you need to know. First, if you have insurance you will need to contact them immediately to file a claim. If you do not have insurance, then you will be required to pay out-of-pocket for your airbag to be repaired and whatever structural damage was caused from the airbag deployment.

Replacing a deployed airbag system can cost a lot of money, so in many cases, a car is rendered a total loss. A car is a total loss when the cost to repair its damages exceed the current market value for the vehicle. If this happens to you, you can always sell your junk car to a local Cash for Cars Company in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Did you get in a car accident and now your car is totaled? Contact GC’s Junk Cars at 513-991-4776 for professional cash for cars service in Cincinnati Ohio. Our junk car buyers only pay in cash, and we even provide free junk car removal service!

You Should Also Read:

Why You Should Never Skip a Routine Oil Change
Your Options After Totaling a Vehicle
4 Reasons Why You Should Sell Your Junk Car

GC’s Junk Cars – Cash for Cars

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