Auto Insurance Claims: totaled car, salvage title, wrecked car

Question
I was recently in a two car accident and my car appears to be totaled and I am at fault. My agent is saying my car will most likely be declared as totaled. I have a few engine modifications done to the car as well but none to alter the handling. Will the modifications done to the car reduce the amount I receive in compensation for the car or adversely affect the claims process? Also will I be able to keep the wrecked car if it is declared totaled? thank you!

Answer
Hi Neil,

The engine modifications should not affect the value of the car. If you choose to keep the car, the insurance company will deduct from the settlement the amount they could have sold the salvage for. They will still have to apply for a salvage title through your state. You would then have to have the car repaired, present it to the state for inspection and then you would be able to re-register the car in your name. However, the title will always has a "SALVAGE" or 'REBUILT SALVAGE" stamp on which will render the car to only be worth about 50% of standard value.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh