In North Carolina, when a vehicle is declared a total loss by an insurance company, the owner may have the option to retain possession. A total loss typically signifies that the cost to repair the vehicle exceeds a certain percentage of its fair market value, rendering it uneconomical to fix. For example, a vehicle involved in a collision might be deemed totaled if the estimated repairs are greater than the threshold defined by the insurer.
The decision to retain the vehicle after a total loss declaration offers the benefit of potentially salvaging usable parts or utilizing the vehicle for non-roadworthy purposes. Historically, keeping a totaled vehicle was less regulated; however, current regulations aim to ensure transparency and safety by requiring proper titling and disclosure of the vehicle’s salvage status. This protects future buyers and ensures that unsafe vehicles are not returned to roadways without proper inspection and repairs.