When Does An Insurance Company Total A Car? 
A vehicle is typically considered totaled , when the value of the vehicle costs less than the expenses to repair or fix the car . This typically happens with older cars , as opposed to newer ones . You can negotiate -LRB- a little -RRB- with the adjuster and/or insurer to secure a settlement that is acceptable to you . LIVE answer provided by : Ed Harris - Premier car insurance broker for 33 years and owner of several of the nation 's top-rated websites that offer the lowest available rates . 