FAQ
General Questions
Total Gain Solution — Insurance Claim Assistance for Car Crashes
Trusted by Owners of 40+ Makes & Models
TOTAL LOSS
What does it mean when my car is “totaled”?
When your car is totaled, it means fixing it would cost more than what the car is actually worth.
So instead of paying for repairs, your insurance company just pays you for your car’s market value before the crash — that’s called the Actual Cash
Value (ACV).
How does the insurance company decide it’s a total loss?
They’ll send an adjuster to check the damage and compare repair costs to your car’s value before the accident.
If the damage is close to or higher than your car’s value (usually around 60–80%), they’ll call it a total loss.
Who pays if my car is totaled — me or the other driver?
- It depends on who’s at fault and what kind of insurance you have:
- If you caused the crash, your collision coverage pays.
- If someone else hit you, their property damage liability pays.
- If it was something random like a flood, fire, or theft — that’s comprehensive coverage.
- If the other driver has no insurance, your uninsured motorist coverage helps.
What happens after my car is declared a total loss?
Once they decide your car’s totaled, the insurance company figures out what your car was worth before the accident, subtracts your deductible, and sends you a check. If your car was financed or leased, that money usually goes straight to your lender first.
Can I keep my totaled car?
Sometimes, yes — but it’ll come with a salvage or rebuilt title, meaning it’s officially been declared a total loss. You’ll have to repair it, get it inspected, and re-register it before you can drive it again. And some insurers will only give you basic liability coverage after that.
How much money will I actually get?
You’ll get what your car was worth right before the crash — not what you paid for it. That amount depends on the car’s age, mileage, options, and condition. It might feel low, especially if your car depreciated fast — but that’s where we come in to make sure you’re not being lowballed.
How long does the whole process take?
Usually around 2–4 weeks, depending on how fast the inspection and paperwork move. But if your claim’s dragging or your insurer’s being vague, our team can review your case and help move things along.
What if the payout offer seems too low?
You don’t have to accept it! A lot of insurers use outdated data or miss upgrades on your car. Total Gain reviews your report line by line — we often help clients recover $3,000–$9,000 more than the first offer.
DIMINISHED VALUE
What does “diminished value” actually mean?
It’s the loss in market value your car suffers after an accident — even if it’s been fully repaired. Once an accident shows up on Carfax or AutoCheck, your car automatically becomes less desirable to buyers or dealers.
Who can file a diminished value claim?
If the accident wasn’t your fault, you can usually file a third-party claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
Some states even allow first-party DV claims under your own policy if the other driver is uninsured or unknown.
When can’t I file a DV claim?
You can’t file if you were at fault for the accident, the car is leased, or you live in Michigan (the only state that fully prohibits DV claims).
Is a diminished value claim always allowed?
No — it depends on state law and your policy. Some states allow third-party DV claims, others limit or ban them. A few permit first-party DV claims in special cases.
How much money can I recover?
- It varies widely based on:
- Pre-accident car value
- Severity of the damage
- Repair quality
- Mileage, age, and model desirability
- For newer or luxury cars, DV payouts can reach several thousand dollars.
Do I need an expert appraisal?
Absolutely. An independent appraisal makes your claim stronger and harder to dispute. Our certified reports give you solid evidence when negotiating with insurers — and you can start with a Free Estimate from Total Gain.
What if the insurer denies my claim or undervalues it?
You can:
- Ask for a written explanation
- Submit a counter-offer with data
- Hire an independent appraiser (we can handle that)
- File a complaint with your state regulator
- Take legal action if needed
Will filing a DV claim affect my insurance rates?
Usually not — because you’re filing against the other driver’s insurer, not your own. But check your local state rules just to be sure. on how responsive the insurer is. Once we submit the report, settlements often happen within 7–14 business days.
Can I file for diminished value if my car was totaled?
No — if your vehicle is a total loss, you can’t file a DV claim.
Instead, you’ll pursue a total loss settlement (we handle those too).
How long do I have to file a DV claim?
Each state has its own statute of limitations — typically 1–3 years from the date of the accident. It’s best to act quickly so evidence and documentation stay fresh.
What documents help strengthen my claim?
- Pre-accident market value comps
- Post-repair appraisals
- Repair invoices & photos
- Carfax or AutoCheck reports
- Independent appraisal report (from Total Gain)
- Proof of repair quality and condition
How long does a DV claim take?
Most cases take 2–6 weeks depending on how responsive the insurer is. Once we submit the report, settlements often happen within 7–14 business days.
Is pursuing diminished value really worth it?
Yes — especially for newer, low-mileage, or high-value cars. Even if your car looks brand-new, its history still hurts resale or trade-in value. Getting compensated is 100% worth the effort.