JusticeFinder Tool

Total Loss / ACV Estimator

When repair costs climb toward your car's value, the insurer may declare it a total loss instead of fixing it. Whether that happens depends on your state's threshold — a fixed percentage of value, or a formula that adds salvage. This tool estimates which side of the line you're on and how to push back on a lowball valuation.

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Is your car a total loss?

Enter the ACV and repair estimate, then set your state's rule (or pick your state to fill it in). The verdict and gauge update live.

Actual cash value (ACV)The car's pre-loss market value.

Repair estimateThe cost to fix the vehicle.

Your state (optional)Verified states set the rule automatically; others stay manual.

Rule typePercentage threshold (TLT) or repairs + salvage ≥ ACV (TLF).

Total-loss threshold (% of ACV)Enter your state's threshold, or pick a common preset.

Verdict

Likely repairable

Repairs are 50% of ACV against a 75% threshold. About $4,500 of headroom before total-loss territory.

Repair cost vs total-loss threshold

0%Threshold 75% · repairs 50%100%+

Disagree with their ACV?

A low ACV both shrinks your payout and makes a total loss less likely. Counter it with comparable local listings for the same year/make/model/trim and mileage, your maintenance records, and recent upgrades — the insurer's valuation is negotiable.

Educational estimate only. Insurers may apply a stricter threshold than the state maximum, and flood or major-component rules can total a car separately. Calculations run in your browser; nothing is saved.

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Threshold states vs formula states

The same damage can total a car in one state and not another.

In a percentage (TLT) state, the car is a total loss once repairs hit a set share of its value — as low as 60% in Oklahoma or as high as 100% in Texas and Colorado. In a formula (TLF) state, it's totaled when repair cost plus salvage value reaches the ACV, with no fixed percentage.

Insurers can also apply a stricter threshold than the state maximum, and flood or major-component-replacement rules can trigger a total loss on their own. Pick your state above to load the verified rule, or enter the threshold manually.

A low ACV cuts both ways

Disputing the valuation can change both your payout and the total-loss verdict.

A lowball ACV shrinks your payout and makes a total loss less likely (because the repair-to-value ratio looks smaller). If the valuation seems low, counter it with comparable local listings for the same year, make, model, trim, and mileage, plus your maintenance and upgrade records. The number is negotiable.

Related Resources

Use these pages and documentation tools to validate the estimate, preserve evidence, and keep the claim file organized.

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Total Loss Claims Guide

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Spreadsheet

Repair Cost Tracker

Document the repair estimate and ACV comparables that support your position.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is a car considered a total loss?

When the cost to repair it reaches your state's total-loss threshold. Some states use a fixed percentage of the car's actual cash value (e.g. 75%); others use a Total Loss Formula where the car is totaled once repair cost plus salvage value meets or exceeds the ACV.

What is actual cash value (ACV)?

The car's fair market value just before the loss — what a willing buyer would have paid for it in its pre-accident condition, accounting for age, mileage, and condition.

TLT vs TLF — what's the difference?

A Total Loss Threshold (TLT) state uses a set percentage: repairs at or above X% of ACV make it a total loss. A Total Loss Formula (TLF) state totals the car when repair cost plus salvage value is at least the ACV, with no fixed percentage.

Can I challenge the insurer's ACV?

Yes. ACV is an estimate, not a fixed number. Comparable local listings, your maintenance records, and recent upgrades can support a higher value — which also affects whether the car is totaled at all.

Educational Use Disclaimer

This estimator is educational only and does not constitute legal or insurance advice. Total-loss rules vary by state and insurers may apply a stricter threshold than the statutory maximum; flood and major-component rules can total a vehicle separately. State thresholds shown as 'under review' are not yet verified — confirm with the state's salvage statute or a licensed professional.

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