Getting your insurance from MAPFRE means you don’t have to worry about the ‘what ifs,’ so you can focus on what’s most important to you. Accidents happen, whether it’s a minor fender bender or a serious crash. Should you get into a significant accident, first and foremost, MAPFRE Insurance wants to ensure you and anyone else involved get medical assistance immediately, if needed.
If your vehicle is declared a total loss or “totaled,” it’s essential to know your next steps to make your claims process with MAPFRE go smoothly.
Step 1: Your Vehicle Has Been Declared a Total Loss
- You will be notified that your vehicle is a Total Loss. Permission to move the vehicle will be needed from you. Please remove all personal belongings, remove your plates, and leave the keys. Advise the shop/tow yard that you would like to release your vehicle to IAA/MAPFRE.
- The timely release of your vehicle will help mitigate out-of-pocket costs. It does not affect your ownership of the car or the settlement. We usually cover up to $35 per day of storage.
- If you have an active loan or if you lease your vehicle, please provide your loan account number when your Total Loss Claim Representative contacts you regarding settlement.
Step 2: Offer/Settlement
- We will attempt to contact you within 24-48 hours of your vehicle being determined a total loss to discuss settlement.
- If you have a lienholder/lease, please continue making your loan/lease payment until the settlement is finalized.
Step 3: Rental
- If your policy affords rental coverage, we will cover up to 7 days after we make a total loss offer if your policy limits have not been exhausted.
Step 4: Wrap Up
- If you have the title, payment will be issued in your name.
- If you do not have the title, we will confirm the balance owed to your lender or lease company to secure the title.
- Regarding plates, please get in touch with your agent to discuss whether you need to transfer or cancel your plates.
Hopefully, you never need to, but if you do need to file a total loss claim, our team of claim experts will strive to make the experience as smooth as possible.
To ensure you get the right coverage for your auto insurance, ask a local, Independent Agent in your state or get a fast, free quote in Massachusetts today to see if you could save!
Frequently asked questions about total losses
When is my car considered a total loss?
Your car is considered a total loss (totaled) when the cost to repair the vehicle exceeds its current value.
How is the value of my car determined?
MAPFRE works with a third-party to help determine the actual cash value of your car. The value of your vehicle is determined by a variety of factors like its pre-loss condition, age, make, model, and mileage. Also taken into consideration is the value of a vehicle of a similar type and the price paid for the vehicle.
What happens if I still have a loan or lease on my car?
Depending on the lender, if the actual value of your car is less than what you owe on your loan or lease, then you may still owe the balance.
Having gap insurance will typically cover the difference between what your vehicle is currently worth and the amount you actually owe on the loan or lease.
What paperwork is needed before payment can be issued?
Before payment can be issued, MAPFRE needs the title of the vehicle. If you hold the title, you must fill in the odometer disclosure statement and sign the title before sending it to us.
If the title is with your lender, MAPFRE will reach out to them. Keep in mind, requirements differ by states and there may be additional steps.
What happens to my car if it's determined a total loss?
After your car is determined a total loss, you will need to advise the repair shop or tow yard that you would like to release your vehicle to MAPFRE. This timely permission to move the vehicle will help reduce out-of-pocket costs.
During this time, you should also remove all personal belongings from the vehicle and take off the license plates.
Why do you need to take my car and where are you taking it?
While we usually cover up to $35 per day of storage at shop or tow yard, those fees can add up quickly. That’s why MAPFRE takes it to a storage-free facility. If you don’t want to allow MAPFRE to move your car, you may be responsible for the additional storage fees.
What if I decide to keep my car?
MAPFRE has the right to take your vehicle in settlement of a total loss under the terms and conditions of your auto policy. If we decide to allow you to retain the vehicle, it will be returned to you from the salvage yard once the claims process is complete. Once a car is totaled you will still need to have it repaired and pass inspection. You will need to apply for a salvage or rebuilt title that identifies the car as having been a total loss. Many insurance companies will not cover a salvaged vehicle it’s challenging to accurately assess the true condition of the vehicle.
