I Totaled My Car – Can I Buy It Back from the Insurance Company?

You’ve just had the accident you never wanted. The insurance adjuster calls and says your car is a total loss. The repairs cost more than the car is worth, so the insurance company will cut you a check—and take your vehicle.

But what if you’re not ready to let it go? Maybe it’s your first car, maybe you just put new tires on it, or maybe you think you can fix it yourself. Can you buy it back?

How Total Loss Works

When your car is declared a total loss, the insurance company typically takes possession. From there, they’ll either:

Sell it to a salvage yard – where it’s stripped for parts or sold as scrap.

Auction it – where individuals or businesses can bid to repair and resell it.

How to Repurchase Your Totaled Vehicle

In some cases, you can buy your vehicle back directly from your insurance company. Here’s what to know:

Ask your adjuster if the company allows buybacks.

If they do, the “buyback” price is usually the vehicle’s post-accident salvage value (often less than market value).

Company policy and state laws may affect whether you can repurchase it.

What Happens After You Buy It Back

If you buy your totaled car back:

Repairs are on you – and depending on damage, they may cost more than the car is worth.

You’ll likely need to pass a state safety inspection before it can be driven again.

Your title will probably be branded as “salvage” or “rebuilt,” which can reduce resale value and affect future insurance options.

Should You Do It?

Buying back a totaled car can make sense if repairs are minor, if it has sentimental value, or if you plan to use it off-road or for parts. But in most cases, your insurance payout is the better financial move.

Bottom line: Yes, you can sometimes buy back your totaled vehicle—but it’s not always the best choice. Before deciding, weigh the buyback cost, repair expenses, and the long-term value of the car.

If you’re navigating a total loss claim, we’ll walk you through your options and make sure you understand every step before signing anything.

I totaled my car. Can I repurchase it from the insurance company?