Damage to your vehicle is usually paid by the negligent driver’s insurance company in Colorado. You may also want to review your policy and consider submitting the property loss to your own insurance, if they are willing to offer more for your car. It is a good idea to get two or three written estimates of your damage in Colorado. It is reasonable for the insurance company to examine or inspect your vehicle, but you do not have to accept the estimate based on the insurance company’s inspection. A car is considered a total loss or “totaled” when the cost of repairing the car is more than the car is worth. A car’s worth is equal to the price it would bring in your area, in the condition it was in before the collision. The price is determined by comparing your car to the current sale price of cars in your area of the same year, make and mileage along with any improvements you can document. When looking at your loss also consider any items of personal property, such as sunglasses, stereo, CD, car seat etc. When dealing with the other drivers insurance, also consider the value of loss of transportation, in the event they have not provided a rental car. The property damage claim can be settled separate from your personal injury claim. If the insurance company asks you to sign a release on the property damage claim, it may be a good idea to have a Colorado attorney review it to make sure you are not releasing your personal injury claim.