title: “Total Loss Thresholds by State: Complete Guide” description: “Discover the total loss thresholds for all 50 states. Learn how your state’s rules determine when your car is declared a total loss after an accident.” pubDate: 2026-04-05 ogImage: ""---
Quick Answer
Each state sets its own total loss threshold, typically between 60% and 80% of a vehicle’s Actual Cash Value. When repair costs exceed this percentage, the insurer must declare the vehicle a total loss. Some states use a total loss formula instead of a fixed percentage.
Key Takeaways
- Total loss thresholds range from 60% to 100% depending on the state
- About half of states use a fixed percentage threshold
- Other states use a Total Loss Formula (repair cost + salvage value > ACV)
- Knowing your state’s threshold helps you understand the insurer’s decision
- Some states allow you to keep a totaled vehicle with a salvage title
What Is a Total Loss Threshold?
A total loss threshold is the percentage of a vehicle’s value at which an insurance company is required to declare it a total loss rather than repair it. If repair costs meet or exceed this threshold, the vehicle is considered economically impractical to repair.
Total Loss Thresholds by State
Fixed Percentage Threshold States
| State | Threshold |
|---|---|
| Alabama | 75% |
| Alaska | No specific threshold |
| Arizona | No specific threshold |
| Arkansas | 70% |
| California | No specific threshold |
| Colorado | 100% (TLF used) |
| Connecticut | 75% |
| Delaware | No specific threshold |
| Florida | 80% |
| Georgia | No specific threshold |
| Hawaii | No specific threshold |
| Idaho | No specific threshold |
| Illinois | No specific threshold |
| Indiana | 70% |
| Iowa | 50% |
| Kansas | 75% |
| Kentucky | 75% |
| Louisiana | 75% |
| Maine | 75% |
| Maryland | 75% |
| Massachusetts | No specific threshold |
| Michigan | 75% (pre-2020), 90% (post-2020 for no-fault) |
| Minnesota | 70% |
| Mississippi | No specific threshold |
| Missouri | 80% |
| Montana | No specific threshold |
| Nebraska | 75% |
| Nevada | 65% |
| New Hampshire | 75% |
| New Jersey | No specific threshold |
| New Mexico | No specific threshold |
| New York | 75% |
| North Carolina | 75% |
| North Dakota | 75% |
| Ohio | No specific threshold |
| Oklahoma | 60% |
| Oregon | 80% |
| Pennsylvania | No specific threshold |
| Rhode Island | No specific threshold |
| South Carolina | 75% |
| South Dakota | No specific threshold |
| Tennessee | 75% |
| Texas | 100% (TLF used) |
| Utah | No specific threshold |
| Vermont | No specific threshold |
| Virginia | 75% |
| Washington | No specific threshold |
| West Virginia | 75% |
| Wisconsin | 70% |
| Wyoming | 75% |
Total Loss Formula (TLF) States
In states without a specific percentage threshold, insurers use the Total Loss Formula: if the repair cost plus the salvage value exceeds the ACV, the vehicle is a total loss.
How This Affects Your Claim
Understanding your state’s threshold matters because a vehicle that’s a total loss in one state might be repairable in another. For example, a car with damage equal to 65% of its value would be totaled in Oklahoma (60% threshold) but potentially repairable in Florida (80% threshold).
FAQ
What happens when repair costs are just below the total loss threshold?
The insurer will authorize repairs, but you should be aware that a vehicle with major repairs may have diminished value even after being fixed properly.
Can an insurance company total a car below the state threshold?
Yes, insurers can declare a vehicle a total loss at any point if they determine it cannot be safely repaired, regardless of the state’s percentage threshold.
Does the total loss threshold apply to both collision and comprehensive claims?
Yes, the threshold generally applies to any physical damage claim that could result in a total loss declaration.
What is the Total Loss Formula?
TLF states that if Repair Cost + Salvage Value > Actual Cash Value, the vehicle is a total loss. This is used in states without a fixed percentage threshold.
Can I dispute a total loss declaration if my state has a high threshold?
Yes, you can challenge the valuation by providing evidence that repair costs are below the threshold or that the ACV determination is incorrect.