Auto Insurance Claims: Total Loss question, frame damage, rental charges

Question
Could you explain what a Constructive total loss is, and what is the difference of a structural total loss.

Answer
Jerry,

A very good question. A constructive total loss is when the cost to repair your car is added to the additional costs of the loss, such as rental charges, diminished value charges, loss of use, etc. If these charges exceed or approach the value of your car (it's replacement cost plus tax), then it is considered a constructive total loss.

A structural total loss is when the repairs will cost more than the value of the vehicle, or the structural and/or frame damage is unrepairable, such as when the cowl and firewall are crushed. Anything can be repaired given the right equipment, talent and money, but insurance claims are a money-based deal and the path of lesser cost will always be taken.

Charlie