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No car accident is fun, but a collision that totals your automobile can feel like a nightmare. This is especially the case if you have liability-only car insurance. So, what can you do if this happens?
If another driver was at fault for the accident, you’ll only need to collect their information and file a claim. Their auto insurance will handle the car repair or replacement.
However, if you were at fault and only have liability insurance, you will need to pay out-of-pocket for your vehicle damages. For many, this is a huge financial burden.
Fortunately, you also have the option of selling your totaled car. Learn more below!
What Does Having Liability-Only Car Insurance Mean?
Liability-only car insurance is the bare minimum level of coverage that drivers in all states can purchase. It covers a third party’s property damage and personal injuries in the event of an accident in which you were found to be at fault.
With this level of coverage, your damages and/or injuries are not covered whether you were responsible for the accident or not.
What Are The Three Types of Car Insurance?
Liability Coverage
As discussed above, liability coverage is the minimum level of coverage that you are required to purchase to legally drive in all states.
Liability insurance covers:
Bodily injury of other drivers or pedestrians in an accident in which you were at fault.
Property damage can include another driver’s vehicle or someone’s property in an accident in which you were at fault.
Minimum coverage amounts vary by state. For instance, in Alabama, the minimum coverage requirement is 25/50/25 whereas Alaska requires coverage of 50/100/50.
This level of coverage will not pay for damages to your car or any bodily injury that you experience. You will need a greater level of coverage if you want to be covered for accidents that you are responsible for.
Collision Coverage
Collision insurance covers damage to your vehicle and your medical bills in the case of an accident whether it was your fault or not. You are covered whether you collide with another vehicle or an object on the road.
This level of coverage usually is not required but it can come in handy.
Comprehensive Coverage
Theft
Fire
Flood
Weather events
Vandalism
Comprehensive coverage is also not required, although it can help you pay for costly repairs.
What Is Collision vs. Liability?
Liability insurance covers damage that you caused. However, your insurance only covers up to a certain amount. You usually have a choice in your limit amount, but each state sets a minimum.
For example, your policy might say 25/50/25 for your liability insurance coverage. This means that your insurer will cover:
Bodily injury payments per person up to $25,000.
Bodily injury payments per accident up to $50,000.
Property damage payments per accident up to $25,000.
After an accident in which you were at fault, your premium for liability coverage will likely increase by 20% to 50%.
Collision coverage is not mandatory, but you can add it to your policy alongside liability insurance. However, if you’re leasing or financing a car, your lender might require that you add collision coverage to your policy.
To use your collision coverage after an accident you will need to first pay your deductible.
Collision insurance will add to your overall premium, but it might be worth it if:
Your car is relatively new.
If you have recently leased or taken out a loan on your car.
You drive a lot.
You do not have a lot of disposable income.
Your savings will not comfortably cover a car replacement.
You live in an area with frequent inclement weather or active wildlife.
Who Buys Totaled Cars That Only Have Liability Insurance?
If you have a totaled car due to an accident that was your fault and you can’t fix it because you only have liability insurance, you have options.
There are a couple of willing car buyers that you can sell your car to:
Junkyards
Junkyards are well-known for accepting old, damaged, or totaled cars. You can bring your car as-is and get paid for it.
You won’t be paid for the current value of your car, though. Instead, junkyards typically pay based on the weight of your car. This can be beneficial whether your car is old or brand-new because features, make, and model will likely not even be considered.
Private Sales
Another option is through private sales. Facebook Marketplace, eBay Motors, and Craigslist all serve as private marketplaces through which you can sell your totaled car.
There are plenty of car enthusiasts who enjoy the challenge of repairing a damaged vehicle, so it’s possible to find a buyer. However, this process can take a while as you will have to create listings, vet buyers, and ensure that you have the right paperwork.
DamagedCars.com
The easiest option for getting rid of your totaled car is DamagedCars. We pay fair-market prices for totaled cars and make the process as streamlined as possible. Learn more about DamagedCars below.
Sell Your Totaled Car To DamagedCars!
No need to tow your car to a junkyard or deal with flakey potential buyers: sell your car to DamageCars and get paid in 24 to 38 hours!
Fill out our online questionnaire to get an offer.
Accept our estimate and schedule a pick-up.
Get paid!
Your estimate is ready in less than two minutes and you can get a free pick-up in 24 to 48 hours. We handle all the paperwork and your tow driver will hand over your check once you give them your keys.
Get your free estimate from DamagedCars today!
