If your car has been totaled in an Indiana crash, the insurance company is obligated to pay you the fair market value of your vehicle before the accident—not what you think it’s worth, what you owe, or what sentimental value it holds. Indiana law treats property damage differently from personal injury; there’s no compensation for emotional distress, just a calculated difference between pre- and post-crash car value. If repair costs exceed that pre-crash value, your car will be totaled, and you’ll receive a check accordingly. To ensure a fair settlement, gather strong evidence like Kelley Blue Book estimates, local vehicle listings, maintenance records, and photos proving your car’s condition.
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts through tactics like lowballing the car’s value, imposing storage fees, or directing you to preferred shops. But you have rights: you’re entitled to compensation for loss of use (rental car costs), diminished value, and even storage fees—if you act quickly and assertively. If you have full coverage, use your own insurer to simplify the process. While most property damage claims don’t require legal action, the Marc Lopez Law Firm is ready to guide you in the right direction if you’re unfairly blamed, severely lowballed, or stuck with rising costs. The key to getting what you’re owed is moving fast, staying informed, and pushing back when necessary.
