Can You Legally Drive a Totaled Car? Here’s What You Need to Know

 After a serious accident, one of the first questions people ask is: Can I still drive my car if it’s been declared “totaled”? The answer isn’t always straightforward, and it can have legal and insurance consequences. Naqvi Injury Law breaks down the key issues every driver should understand.

What Does “Totaled” Really Mean?

A vehicle is considered totaled when the cost of repairs exceeds a certain percentage of the car’s market value—often 65–75%, depending on state law or insurance policy. It doesn’t always mean the car is undrivable, just that it’s not worth fixing.

Is It Legal to Drive a Totaled Car?

Not always. In many states, once a vehicle is declared totaled:

  • It receives a salvage title, which means it’s no longer road-legal.

  • To drive it again, it must be repaired and pass a safety inspection, after which it may be issued a rebuilt title.

Driving a car with a salvage title can lead to fines, license issues, or even denied insurance claims if it’s involved in another accident.

What About Insurance?

Once a car is declared totaled, most insurance companies:

  • Cancel your coverage or change your policy status

  • Pay out the current market value (minus deductible)

  • May let you “buy back” the salvage car, but usually with limited coverage options

If you plan to keep and drive the car, you’ll need to work with your insurer to get appropriate coverage—often liability-only, and some companies won’t insure salvage vehicles at all.

Bottom Line: Driving a totaled car without the proper title or insurance is risky and often illegal. Always talk to a qualified accident attorney to understand your options.

Learn more about the legal and insurance implications

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