Total Loss Thresholds by State
When is your car "totaled"? It depends entirely on your state's threshold law.
Complete total loss guide at CollisionHelp.org →
Understanding State Thresholds
Two Methods States Use
- Percentage Threshold: Repairs exceed X% of ACV = total loss
- Total Loss Formula (TLF): Repairs + Salvage Value > ACV = total loss
Your state's method can mean thousands of dollars difference in your claim outcome.
Complete State Threshold Table
| Threshold | States | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| 70% | Iowa, New York | Repairs > 70% of ACV triggers total loss |
| 75% | Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Kansas, Maryland, New Jersey, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Wyoming | Repairs > 75% of ACV triggers total loss |
| 80% | Arizona, Louisiana, Minnesota, Nevada, Washington | Repairs > 80% of ACV triggers total loss |
| 100% / No Threshold | California, Connecticut, Delaware, Idaho, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin | Insurer decides (usually ~70-80% in practice) |
| TLF Formula | Alabama, Colorado, Indiana, Kentucky, New Mexico, North Dakota, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia | Repairs + Salvage > ACV = total loss |
Top 10 States Detailed
California (100% / Insurer Discretion)
- Threshold: No fixed percentage—insurer determines
- Practice: Most insurers use 70-80% internally
- Salvage: Must offer vehicle back at salvage deduction
- Owner Retention: Allowed with salvage title
- Dispute Option: Appraisal clause in most policies
Texas (100% / Insurer Discretion)
- Threshold: No fixed percentage—insurer determines
- Practice: Typically 70-75% in practice
- Salvage: "Non-repairable" if damage > 75%
- Owner Retention: Allowed in many cases
- Tax Benefit: Sales tax reimbursement required
Florida (80% Threshold)
- Threshold: Fixed at 80% of ACV
- Clear Rule: Repairs > 80% = total loss declaration
- Salvage Title: Required if totaled
- Owner Retention: Allowed with salvage deduction
- No-Fault Impact: PIP covers medical regardless
New York (70% Threshold)
- Threshold: Fixed at 75% of ACV (one of lowest)
- Consumer Benefit: Lower threshold = easier total loss declaration
- Salvage: Rebuilt title possible after inspection
- Owner Retention: Allowed with proper documentation
- Urban Markets: Higher repair costs favor total loss
TLF Formula States Explained
Total Loss Formula: Repairs + Salvage > ACV
In these 10 states, the formula matters more than a fixed percentage:
| State | How TLF Works |
|---|---|
| Ohio | If repairs ($8,000) + salvage ($3,000) > ACV ($10,000) = Total Loss |
| Pennsylvania | Same formula—salvage value is key variable |
| North Carolina | TLF applies; contributory negligence complicates claims |
| Colorado | TLF with high salvage values common |
| Indiana | TLF standard; Midwest repair costs favorable |
Key Insight: In TLF states, the salvage value estimate can swing the total loss decision.
State-Specific Dispute Tips
| State Type | Best Dispute Approach |
|---|---|
| Fixed % States (70-80%) | Challenge repair estimates to stay under threshold |
| 100% / Discretion States | Push for total loss if repairs are close to value |
| TLF States | Challenge both repair estimate AND salvage value |
Taxes and Fees by State
States Required to Include Taxes
Many states require insurers to pay sales tax and fees in total loss settlements:
- Required: CA, TX, FL, NY, IL, PA, OH, GA, NC, MI, and most others
- Amount: Typically 6-10% sales tax + $100-500 in fees
- Common Exclusion: Insurers often "forget" to include—always demand
This alone can add $1,000-3,000+ to your settlement.
Find Your State's Total Loss Rules
Every state has different thresholds and requirements.
Browse All 50 States