Free Tool
Is My Car a Total Loss?
Enter your vehicle details and repair estimate. We'll tell you where you stand under New York's total loss threshold.
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Select the option that best matches your car before the accident.
How Total Loss Works in New York
In New York, your vehicle is typically declared a total loss when the cost to repair it equals or exceeds approximately 75% of its actual cash value (ACV) immediately before the accident. This is known as the Total Loss Threshold, and it varies slightly by insurer.
The ACV is not what you paid for the car — it is the fair market value of your vehicle at the time of the accident, accounting for depreciation, mileage, condition, and local market prices. Insurers typically use valuation tools like CCC One or Mitchell to calculate ACV. Our calculator uses a simplified model based on common depreciation curves.
If your car is declared a total loss, your insurer will typically offer you the ACV minus your deductible. You have the right to negotiate this amount if you believe it is too low. An attorney can help if the insurer's offer does not reflect fair market value.
Important: Property damage and personal injury are separate claims.
Even if your car is totaled, you may have an independent injury claim for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. These are handled through different processes and different insurance coverages.