Total loss:
what now?
What ‘total loss’ really means, how the compensation is calculated and where it pays to take a closer look.
Economic vs. technical total loss
An economic total loss exists when the repair costs exceed the current value – a purely arithmetical statement; the vehicle may still be perfectly repairable. A technical total loss means the vehicle can no longer be repaired safely.
How is the compensation calculated?
Comprehensive (casco) claim
Current value minus deductible minus residual value – as defined in your policy conditions (AVB). An optional ‘current value supplement’ can guarantee a higher settlement in the first years.
Liability claim
Replacement value minus residual value – the replacement value is higher than the current value because it covers the procurement of an equivalent vehicle.
Example: comprehensive claim
New price CHF 52,000; five years old and 78,000 km. Base value CHF 26,800 + condition CHF 1,200 + service investment CHF 700 + special equipment CHF 800 − prior damage CHF 800 = current value CHF 28,700. Less residual value CHF 5,200 and deductible CHF 1,000 gives a payment of CHF 22,500. A contractual current-value supplement may produce a higher result.
Example: liability claim
Current value CHF 28,700 + procurement costs CHF 2,400 = replacement value CHF 31,100. Less residual value CHF 5,200 gives CHF 25,900. Depending on the facts, the DE reference also confirms up to ten days of replacement transport, alternatively up to CHF 400 incl. VAT where no hire car is used, and up to CHF 100 for vignette and re-registration.
Why the claim type matters
A liability claim is generally based on replacement value and can include incidental replacement costs. A comprehensive claim follows the contract, including deductible and any current-value supplement.
What to do now – step by step
Ideally within 24–48 hours, facts only.
Repair costs, current/replacement value and residual value must be determined correctly.
The insurer's residual value directly reduces your compensation – check its plausibility.
Repair despite total loss is allowed – but the insurance pays only up to the current value.
What happens to the wreck?
The residual value of the damaged vehicle is determined – usually via bids from specialised buyers. You can sell the wreck at this value, or keep the vehicle; then the residual value is deducted from the compensation. Because the residual value directly reduces your payout, its plausibility deserves a close look.
Documents that affect the valuation
- Registration document, purchase agreement and service history
- Invoices for recent repairs, maintenance and tyres
- Evidence of special equipment and pre-loss condition
- Current advertisements for genuinely comparable replacement vehicles
- Policy conditions, deductible and any current-value supplement
Repair despite total loss – is that possible?
Yes. ‘Economic total loss’ only means repairing is more expensive than the vehicle's current value – it does not mean the vehicle is unsafe. If you want to keep your car, you may have it repaired: the insurance pays up to the current value (liability: replacement value minus residual value), and you bear the remaining difference yourself. For a well-maintained vehicle you know, this can still be worthwhile.
Before accepting the settlement
Check whether condition, tyres, maintenance, equipment and market demand were reflected in the value, and whether the residual value is realistic and achievable. Compare both repair and replacement routes before deciding.
Doubts about the figures?
If about CHF 2,000–3,000 or more separate your view from the insurer's offer, an independent report usually pays off – admissible documentary evidence in court since 2025. For a quick check of the repair costs, the digital ClaimTec calculation is often sufficient.
Total loss – FAQ
Total loss? We check your situation.
Independent verification of repair costs, vehicle value and residual value.