Repair Vs Total Loss Calculator

What “Repair vs Total Loss” Really Means

Insurance companies do not total cars based on emotion or appearance. They use math.

• Repairable vehicle
  The cost to fix the car stays under the legal or insurance limit.
• Total loss vehicle
  The cost to repair crosses a defined threshold, making repairs financially unsafe or inefficient.

The calculator you shared mirrors how insurers actually make this decision.

Why a Repair vs Total Loss Calculator Matters

Without a calculator, most drivers rely on what the adjuster says. That can be risky.

A calculator helps you:

• Check if the insurer’s decision makes sense
• Spot borderline cases where hidden damage matters
• Understand how state laws affect your claim
• Compare repair costs against your car’s real value
• Decide whether owner retention is worth it

In short, it gives you leverage.

Key Inputs Used by the Calculator (Plain English)

Let’s break down the main fields in simple terms.

1. Actual Cash Value (ACV)

This is what your car was worth before the accident.

• Based on age, mileage, condition, and local market
• Not what you paid for it
• Not what it costs new

The ACV is the foundation of the entire calculation.

2. Salvage Value

This is what the damaged car is worth as scrap or parts.

• Usually 15–25% of ACV
• The calculator defaults to 20% if left blank
• Higher salvage value lowers your payout if you keep the car

Salvage value matters most if the car is totaled.

3. Initial Repair Estimate

This is the body shop’s first quote.

Important detail:
Initial estimates are almost always low.

That’s why the calculator includes a supplement buffer.

4. Supplement Buffer (15%)

Hidden damage is common. Once a car is taken apart, costs rise.

• Bent frames
• Damaged sensors
• Wiring issues
• Structural cracks

The calculator adds 15% automatically, which reflects real insurance behavior.

5. Rental and Storage Costs

Insurance companies count their own expenses too.

• Rental car coverage
• Storage fees
• Administrative costs

These push borderline cars closer to total loss.

6. State Total Loss Law

This is where things get technical but important.

Percentage Threshold Method

Most states use this.

• If repairs exceed 75%–80% of ACV
• The car is a total loss

Example:
ACV = $20,000
Threshold = 75%
Limit = $15,000

Repairs over $15,000 → total loss likely

Total Loss Formula (TLF)

Some states use this instead.

• Repair cost + salvage value > ACV
• If yes, the car is totaled

The calculator supports both methods.

7. Policy Deductible

This affects your payout, not the total loss decision itself.

• Subtracted from ACV if the car is totaled
• Still important for final numbers

How the Calculator Makes the Decision

Behind the scenes, the calculator follows a clear process:

1. Adjusts repair cost
   Initial estimate + supplement + overhead
2. Applies state law
   Percentage threshold or TLF
3. Compares costs
   Repair total vs legal limit
4. Delivers a verdict
   “Repairable” or “Total Loss Likely”
5. Shows financial outcomes
   Total payout
   Owner retention payout
   Repair gap
   Buy-back cost

This mirrors real insurance math, not a simplified guess.

Understanding the Results Section

Verdict Badge

• Repairable means the numbers still favor fixing the car
• Total Loss Likely means the threshold has been crossed

Borderline cases are clearly flagged.

Adjusted Repair Ratio

This shows repair cost as a percentage of ACV.

• Under 70%: Usually safe to repair
• 70%–85%: High risk zone
• Over the limit: Total loss territory

This ratio is one of the most useful insights.

Visual Gauge

The gauge helps you see risk at a glance.

• Green: Comfortable repair margin
• Yellow: On the bubble
• Red line: Total loss point

It’s especially helpful for negotiations.

Financial Breakdown

You also see:

• Total loss payout
• Owner retention payout
• Adjusted repair cost
• Threshold amount
• Salvage buy-back cost
• Gap between repair cost and limit

These numbers help you plan your next move.

Owner Retention: Should You Keep a Totaled Car?

The calculator shows what happens if you keep the car.

Pros:

• Higher cash in hand
• You keep a familiar vehicle

Cons:

• Salvage title
• Inspection requirements
• Harder resale
• You pay all repair overruns

If the gap is large and negative, keeping the car is usually risky.

Why This Calculator Is More Accurate Than Most

Many online tools stop at “repair vs total.”

This one goes further by including:

• Supplement risk
• Insurance overhead
• Two legal methods
• Visual risk indicators
• Strategic advice based on results

That makes it useful not just for curiosity, but for real claims.

How to Use This Calculator During an Insurance Claim

1. Run your numbers before accepting a decision
2. Re-run it when a supplement is issued
3. Use the ratio and gap in negotiations
4. Ask the adjuster which method they are using
5. Compare their math with yours

Numbers change conversations.