Virginia: 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 Virginia.
Also for Virginia: Car insurance by state in Virginia · Claim deadlines in Virginia · Small claims limits in Virginia · Shared fault rules in Virginia · Accident reporting rules in Virginia · Lemon law rules in Virginia · Sales tax rates in Virginia · Phone-while-driving laws in Virginia · Motorcycle helmet laws in Virginia · Gas tax in Virginia
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.