Have you ever wondered what the term “totaled” could mean when it applies to a BMW? Unfortunately, it is not something that any car owner wants to consider, but it is necessary to know. When a car is declared as totaled, it is because the cost of repairing it is more than the cost of the car. Let’s find out how this applies to BMWs and how you can avoid being in this position.
Understanding “Totaled”
A car is known to be totaled when the amount of money required to repair the damages is higher than the value of the car in the market. This decision is often taken by insurance companies. They assess how much it will cost to repair the vehicle and then compare this cost to how valuable the car is in its undamaged condition. If the cost of repair exceeds the value of the car, your insurance company will deem the car as a total loss.
Conditions That Define Whether a BMW is a Total Loss
Several factors are considered when determining if a BMW is totaled:
- Extent of Damage: The higher the level of harm, the bigger the probability of the vehicle being considered a total loss. This not only includes damage to the frame or exterior of the car and the engine but also any other part that is considered vital by the manufacturer. Sometimes, your BMW might appear drivable or look undamaged on the exterior but if there are hidden issues that are costly to repair, it will be totaled.
- Cost of Repairs: If the cost to repair the car is beyond the insurance company’s limit, they will consider the car as a total loss. This is because luxury vehicles such as BMWs contain parts that are expensive and you should not forget that these parts have to be worked on by specialized technicians who must get paid for doing the job. If the cost of parts and labor exceeds that limit, your BMW will be considered totaled.
- Vehicle’s Market Value: Another factor that would determine this is the present market value of your particular BMW model. If your BMW is old or has high mileage, it may be worth less because when calculating your car’s value, age and mileage are top criteria. This means that any form of damage that occurs to the car can easily lead to it being considered a total loss since the costs of repairing the damages are likely to be more because the value of the car has dropped over time.
- State Laws: There are no standard rules on how much a vehicle has to lose before it can be considered totaled, the laws vary from state to state. Some states set up certain limits which the cost of the repairs must go above to be claimable, as a percentage of the car’s value. This percentage tends to vary between fifty and seventy-five percent.
How to Ensure Your BMW Does Not Get Totaled
Since accidents and other mishaps are inevitable, there are measures one can take to minimize the possibility of your BMW being deemed a total loss.
- Adequate Insurance: Ensure that you have comprehensive insurance. It can help you to be insured against different kinds of risks such as accidents, theft, or natural disasters.
- Safe Driving: Another way to avoid such occurrences is by observing safety measures while driving. Be orderly on the roads, do not be distracted, and drive safely.
- Regular Maintenance: Some of the damages can be prevented if you maintain your car in the correct manner. Preventive measures are much cheaper than repairing the problem once it has escalated.
Bring Your BMW to Tanner Motors For All Your Repairs And Maintenance
Tanner Motors is the name you can trust and the service you deserve if you own a European car in Phoenix, AZ, or nearby. If you bring your vehicle to our shop for repair or maintenance, you can rest assured that we will use dealer-level diagnostic tools to diagnose and address your BMW concerns. Established in 1945, we have been catering to the needs of BMW owners in the area and our technicians keep on enhancing their knowledge and expertise. If you have been involved in an accident and you are wondering if your car is worth fixing just tow it to our garage. We are very much looking forward to meeting you and your cherished BMW. You can make an appointment now by calling 602-241-9888.
* Old BMW Car image credit goes to: Wirestock.