Total Loss Frequently Asked Questions

Get the answers you need to questions you have about a potential total loss.

 

Vehicles deemed a total loss will be assigned a total loss adjuster to walk you through the process. The frequently asked questions and answers below may also be helpful. 

What is a total loss?

A vehicle is considered a total loss if one of the following is true:

  • The vehicle cannot be safely repaired.
  • The cost to repair exceeds the state’s threshold to repair.
  • The cost to repair the vehicle, along with associated costs such as rental, towing, salvage and storage, equal or exceed the value of the vehicle at the time of the loss.

How is the value of my vehicle determined?

The value of your vehicle is determined by using data from your local area about what comparable vehicles are selling for. Your vehicle’s condition, mileage, options and any prior damage is also taken into consideration.

What are the next steps once my vehicle is deemed a total loss?

Once your vehicle has been inspected, a total loss adjuster will contact you to go over the value of the vehicle and the total loss process. If your vehicle has not already been moved to the salvage yard, we will need you to clean out your personal belongings, including any paperwork, and advise your adjuster that the vehicle is ready to be picked up. The adjuster will move the vehicle within 2 business days. In some states, you may also need to remove your license plate(s).   If your vehicle is located at a tow yard or body shop, be sure to advise them that Farm Bureau Financial Services has permission to pick up your vehicle.

Please note, having the vehicle title in your name is required to resolve your total loss.

Will the total loss automatically remove the vehicle from my policy?

If you are insured with Farm Bureau Financial Services, your vehicle being deemed a total loss will not automatically remove the vehicle from the policy. You can contact your local Farm Bureau agent, or contact Customer Service at 866-399-3237, to remove or replace the vehicle on your policy.

If you are not insured with Farm Bureau Financial Services, please contact your carrier once payment has been issued and advise them that your vehicle has been deemed a total loss.

What if I still owe money on my vehicle?

If you are currently making payments on your vehicle, we will need the name, phone number, and account number for the lienholder where you make your payments. In states where the lienholder keeps the title, a power of attorney form will be sent to you to complete and return for the title transfer process. If you have the title to your vehicle, the correctly signed vehicle title will be required to issue payment.

What if I want to keep my vehicle after it has been deemed a total loss?

Each state has unique laws and regulations to determine if you are able to keep a vehicle once it has been deemed a total loss. A salvage value will also be deducted from the settlement. Please contact your total loss adjuster for additional information specific to your claim.

Can I get a rental vehicle?

For those insured with Farm Bureau Financial Services, a rental will be afforded based on your coverage. You can find this information listed on your Declarations Page. To keep your rental covered during the processing of your claim, your policy must remain active.

If you are not insured with Farm Bureau Financial Services, you may be eligible for a rental vehicle for a reasonable amount of time once coverage and liability are in order.

If a rental is provided as part of your claim, the total loss adjuster will advise you of the rental last day.  This will be 2-3 calendar days after settlement options are communicated.

How long will the total loss process take?

We work diligently to resolve your total loss claim as quickly as possible. The faster we are able to get required paperwork from you and your lienholder (if applicable), the faster we’re able to issue payment.

What is the quickest way to get my claim paid?

We offer several convenient and easy ways to receive your claims payment. You can elect to receive a traditional check or electronic payment in the form of direct deposit, direct to debit card, Venmo or PayPal. Electronic payments come via email from FBFS Payments with the address claimspay@oneinc.com. Depending on the payment amount, not all payment methods may be available to choose from.

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