Expert: Charlie Barone - 10/9/2009

Question
I need info for my mother. She was involved in an auto accident several yrs ago. Her car was deemed totaled by her insurance co. However, she did have some body repair done. that gas gauge doesn't work but the car itself is still drivable and so she has been driving it. I thought she couldn't drive it if it was "totaled". She does have insurance on it.So that has been going to that she has coverage on a totaled car.She also just passed inspection. My question is. If it's totaled and is still covered by insurance what does she need to do with it when she buys a new car/ Can she sell the car as it is, "totaled" Can a dealership give her some money for it? Or does she need to junk it, if so what, where etc. Thanks for your help. We live in Union NJ....

Answer
Your mother's car is now branded as a former total loss, but that does not mean she cannot drive the car. Some states require that a car be reinspected and retitled as a reconstructed vehicle once it was declared a total loss. The total loss history will have an effect on the value of the car, but she can sell it to anyone she wishes, provided she disclose the total loss history. She can get as much money for the car as the market will give her.