Auto Insurance Claims: vehicle is written off, good shape, financial decision

Question
My son rolled his truck - icy roads.  It got dented pretty bad on the body and the roof a bit.  It's a 2004 and only has 53,000 km.  The adjuster came out and said it might have to be written off because of the roof of the truck.  The truck is drivable and in good shape mechanically.  Why would it have to be written off for roof damage.  My son is young and is just repeating what he was told.  Could you give me some insight as to why the truck would have to be written off or questions he should be asking the adjuster?

Thanks for your time.

Cheryl  

Answer
Hi Cheryl,

The insurance company will right off the vehicle if the cost to repair is a high percentage of the value of the vehicle, usually 70% to 80%.  It is generally only a financial decision. If the vehicle is written off, the insurance company will then pay you for the value and will take the vehicle. They will then sell the salvage to reduce their loss.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh