What can someone do to their car that would classify it as totaled with the insurance company?

Question

I know someone who recently bought a new car that theyI really don't want. They want to do something to it that would total it so that it gets paid off by the insurance company. I know this is illegal and is considered insurance fraud and have informed them of this. They probably wouldn't have the b**lls to do it anyway.

Answer 1

Then why ask a question? Insurance fraud is insurance fraud. To total a car they need to be in an accident that causes more damage than the car is worth. Fraud negates any possible claim.

Answer 2

Well, given that it is a bad idea in the first place because the insurance company will review this type of 'total' almost automatically, the insurance company will generally write off the car, when the replacement/repair cost exceeds the blue book value (which is always low anyway). At that point it is easier to give you that dollar amount (subject to the limits on your policy and deductible of course).

Keep in mind that, even if someone is not caught, they usually end up losing on newer cars, since the payout is often less then what is actually owed because a car loses soooo much of its value just driving off the showroom floor.

Since the checks are generally issued to BOTH the owner and the lienholder that means that they both must sign it to cash them.

This leaves the person with
1) No car
2) Still owing something to the lender (the debt does not go away until it is paid in full).

Which just goes to re-emphasize why this is such a stupid idea... .

Answer 3

Tell your friend to sell the car!! Rather than go to jail for fraud, or even possibly hurt someone really bad in an attempt to total there car. Your friend can trade in this car, at a dealership for a used car, or sell it for cash! I'd say stick with the legal way and sell it!!

Answer 4

Damage it. In most cases if the cost to repair the damage is greater than the value of the vehicle it would be deemed a total loss.

Answer 5

you need to pretty much get the frame under the car to bend or twist out of shape. slam sideways or head on into a tree at about 45 that should do it.