Tennessee: total loss rules
When an insurer must declare your car a total loss: a set percentage of its value, or the total loss formula.
| Rule | 75% of actual cash value |
|---|---|
| What it means | Totaled when repairs cost 75% or more of what the car was worth before the crash |
An insurer can total a car below the threshold, but must total it at or above it. If you disagree with the value offered, most policies let you invoke appraisal, and you can ask for the comparable-car report.
General information only, not legal, insurance or financial advice. Not affiliated with any government agency. Exceptions can apply. Confirm with the state agency, the court or a licensed professional in Tennessee.
Also for Tennessee: Car insurance by state in Tennessee · Claim deadlines in Tennessee · Small claims limits in Tennessee · Shared fault rules in Tennessee · Accident reporting rules in Tennessee · Lemon law rules in Tennessee · Sales tax rates in Tennessee · Phone-while-driving laws in Tennessee · Motorcycle helmet laws in Tennessee · Gas tax in Tennessee
How we checked this
Thresholds were compared across four 2026 insurance publishers and agree for every state except Rhode Island. Last checked: November 12, 2026. Laws change; confirm with the state agency or a licensed professional before acting.
Cross-checked sources agree Checked on official source confirmed on a government, court or legislature site Single detailed source one detailed table built from statutes or official data Under review sources disagree; read the note and the law.