Summary
- A deductible is the amount you pay before your coverage pays.
- A total loss means repairs would cost more than the car is worth, by the insurer’s measure.
- Subrogation is how insurers recover costs from each other.
Section 1.0
Deductible
Policies list a deductible for collision and comprehensive coverage. It applies per claim, not per year, on most auto policies.
Section 2.0
Total loss
When repair cost passes a threshold set by the insurer or state law, the car may be declared a total loss and valued instead of repaired.
Section 3.0
Actual cash value
This is the car’s value just before the damage, accounting for age and wear. It is different from what you paid.
Section 4.0
Subrogation
If your insurer pays for damage someone else caused, it may seek repayment from the other insurer. Part of your deductible can come back to you that way.
Fenderiva is an information website, not an insurance company, agency, or broker. This site explains how auto insurance works. It does not sell coverage, produce quotes, introduce you to agents, or share what you send us with insurers, and it is not insurance, legal, or financial advice.