What happens if my car is a total loss?
Reviewed October 2026 · General guidance; your policy wording and insurer decide your claim.
If the car is stolen, or the repair cost is too high compared with its value, the insurer may treat it as a total loss and pay up to the IDV, minus your deductible.
Many policies treat repairs above about 75% of the IDV as a “constructive total loss”. Your policy wording sets the exact rule.