What Happens If You Wreck a Financed Car Without Insurance?

Totaling a financed car can be stressful and worrying, especially if you still owe a considerable amount to pay back. But what happens if you wreck a financed car without insurance? Even if your car is totaled, you are still responsible for the loan, and without car insurance, you may have to find other ways to come up with the money.

Wrecking a financed car without insurance can be financially crushing. On top of having to repay the original loan, you may face the expense of buying or financing another vehicle. However, if someone else caused your crash, their insurer should cover your damages, such as car repair or replacement costs, lost wages, medical expenses, and more.

You don’t have to figure all this out on your own. Morgan & Morgan’s experienced car wreck lawyers can analyze your accident and determine your next best steps. Contact us today for a free case consultation.

What Qualifies as a “Wrecked” Car?

A “wrecked” or totaled car is a vehicle that sustained considerable damage in an accident and may not be practical or safe to repair. A car can also be considered “wrecked” if the cost to fix it exceeds its market value or if it cannot be repaired.

Wrecked cars may not always have physical signs of damage, such as dents or broken windows, but could have engine defects or frame damage undetectable by the naked eye. Generally, a car is “wrecked” if the damage affects its structural integrity or safety features, such as the airbags, seatbelts, or brakes. Although there can be variations, insurance companies typically consider a car totaled when the repair cost exceeds 75% of its Actual Cash Value (ACV).

If you believe your car was totaled in a crash, have it inspected by a qualified mechanic to identify the exact extent of the damage. Depending on the severity of the damage, you may have to repair or replace the vehicle.

Your Options for Repaying the Car Loan

Unfortunately, you are still responsible for repaying the loan if you wreck a financed car without insurance. If you cannot pay off the loan, your lender could sue you for the remaining balance, which can lead to wage garnishment or even bankruptcy if you cannot pay. However, depending on your accident’s circumstances, you could have various options for recovering the money you need to repay the loan.

You Are At-Fault for the Crash

If you totaled your vehicle without insurance and if you have an outstanding loan, several options could help you pay for the car loan, including the following:

1. Personal loan: You could take out a personal loan to cover the remaining balance of your car loan. However, you may face problems securing a personal loan if you have a low income or poor credit score.
2. Payment plan: Speak to your lender. You could negotiate a payment plan to pay off the remaining balance over time.
3. Help from family and friends: You could ask friends and family for a loan to help you pay off the car.
4. Seek legal advice: If you cannot secure a loan or negotiate a payment deal to tide you over, an attorney can help you explore other options, such as a debt settlement or bankruptcy.

Getting further into debt can be stressful and may have long-term consequences. Before exploring these options, ensure you are at fault for the accident and no insurance covers your damages. In many crashes, the fault is disputed. An experienced car wreck lawyer can ensure you are treated fairly. Morgan & Morgan can investigate your accident and help you understand your options to get your car paid off.

Another Driver Is Responsible for the Accident

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found driver errors cause most accidents. If your car was totaled and another driver is responsible for the crash, you could hire a car wreck lawyer and pursue compensation for your totaled car and other losses. In most states, vehicle owners must have liability cover, which pays for victims’ injuries and losses if the policyholder is responsible for the crash. Here are the steps you should take after the accident:

Gather Evidence

Try to collect as much evidence as possible to support your claim, including:

• Photos of the accident scene
• The police report
• Witness statements
• Medical records

Ensure to collect estimates for repairing or replacing your car. If your vehicle is declared a total loss, obtain an estimate of its fair market value.

Notify the Other Driver’s Insurance Company

Contact the at-fault driver’s insurance company promptly after the accident, as a total loss claim can be lengthy. The insurance company should guide you on the claims process. An insurance adjuster will typically determine whether your car is a total loss based on a repair estimate.

Establish Your Vehicle’s Market Value

Before accepting a settlement offer for your wrecked car, you must determine its worth. You can identify the Actual Cash Value (ACV) of your vehicle by taking the following factors into account:

• Age and overall condition
• Mileage
• Resale value
• Value of the vehicle in the Kelley Blue Book

Never rely on insurance companies’ opinions regarding your car’s value, as they may try to underpay you.

Negotiate a Settlement

The at-fault driver’s insurer may offer an initial settlement to cover your damages. However, insurance companies often offer settlement amounts that are too low. If the offer is insufficient, you can negotiate with the insurance company. Better yet, get a car accident lawyer in your corner who can communicate with the insurer, protect your interests, and fight for what you deserve.

Contact a Car Wreck Lawyer

Even if someone else caused your crash and the total loss of your vehicle, you could be stuck with a hefty bill. An insurance company may only cover part of your car’s worth, making it impossible to purchase another car from the settlement alone.  

Don’t pay for another driver’s mistake or carelessness. If you cannot reach a fair settlement with the at-fault driver’s insurance company, you could file a lawsuit and pursue adequate compensation. Morgan & Morgan’s car wreck lawyers are here to help you move forward.

You Could Be Personally Liable for Other Driver’s Damages

If you wreck a financed car without insurance and are found to be at fault for the accident, causing injuries or damage to other cars, the other parties could sue you personally for damages. Since you have no car insurance, you might have to pay for the damages out of pocket, which could be financially disastrous.

The financial consequences of being uninsured in a car accident can be crushing and affect your credit score and emotional well-being. If you are in this tricky situation, a car wreck lawyer can help you determine your next best steps.

You Could Lose Your Driver’s License

While state laws vary, your driver’s license could be suspended if you are uninsured and cause an accident. In addition, you may face penalties. Getting your license reinstated could involve additional hurdles, such as having to take a defensive driving course.

Knowing what happens if you wreck a financed car without insurance can be critical for protecting your rights. A car wreck lawyer at Morgan & Morgan can help you understand the laws in your state and explore your options for moving forward.