Organizing the paperwork after a total vehicle loss can be overwhelming, especially if you’re worried about fines or other risks from vehicle registration mistakes. We’ll explore what to do after a car is totaled in California, how to cancel vehicle registration in California after a total loss, and how the law offices of Jacob Emrani can help make things easier after a vehicle accident or total vehicle loss.

What Happens to Your Vehicle Registration After a Total Loss?

When your vehicle is declared a total loss, it’s no longer legal to drive it — but that doesn’t mean the registration gets canceled automatically. Instead, you’re required to report the vehicle’s total loss to your insurance company and to the DMV to cancel the registration. You’ll also have to surrender the license plates. Depending on whether you choose to keep the vehicle or surrender it to your insurance company, you’ll either need to apply for a Salvage Certificate from the DMV if you’re keeping the vehicle or file a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability if the insurance company is taking possession.

Do You Need to Cancel Vehicle Registration in California?

Yes, if your vehicle is no longer active, you need to file for totaled car registration cancellation at the DMV. It’s important to cancel or transfer your registration so that you’re not sent a renewal notice or charged extra fees for failure to renew.

How to Notify the California DMV After a Total Loss

If your vehicle is a total loss, you must notify the California DMV by filing a Non-Repairable Vehicle Certificate. In situations where your insurance company has taken possession of the vehicle, you may need to file a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability form that specifies your insurance company as the owner of the non-salvageable vehicle. This form can be filed online and should be completed within five days of your insurance company taking possession of the vehicle.

Steps to Cancel or Update Your Vehicle Registration

If you’re wondering about the California DMV totaled car process, these steps can help you get started with canceling or updating your vehicle registration.

How to Cancel Your Vehicle Registration

If you’re canceling your vehicle registration because your insurance company is taking possession of the vehicle after a total loss, follow these steps for how to cancel car registration in California:

• Step one: Contact your insurance company and a personal injury lawyer to coordinate. In most cases, your insurance company will report the total loss to the DMV, but you’ll still be required to submit the paperwork for canceling the vehicle registration.
• Step two: Fill out the DMV Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability California form. You’ll need details from your insurance company, your license plate number, your registration number, and your odometer reading.
• Step three: File the transfer and liability form online, mail it to your DMV, or deliver it in person to your local DMV office. The DMV should provide you with a confirmation of the receipt of the form so you’ll have proof for your records.

How to Update Your Vehicle Registration

If you need to update your vehicle registration, get started with these steps:

• Step one: Confirm your planned changes on the DMV’s vehicle registration update page. Planned changes can include things like changing your name or address, and each change may require different documentation.
• Step two: Prepare the required documentation. This typically includes your vehicle title and personal identity documents. Depending on the change, you may also need to fill out an online form.
• Step three: Submit your updated information to the DMV by mail or at your local DMV office to complete the update.

What Happens If You Don’t Cancel or Update Registration?

If you’ve been in a vehicle collision, you may be wondering, “Do I need to cancel my registration after a total loss?” The most common issue if you don’t cancel or update your vehicle registration after a total loss is that you’ll be charged a fee for failure to renew. Not canceling or updating vehicle registration is a significantly larger problem if you repair the vehicle and attempt to drive it again or if you have another vehicle with outdated registration. In this case, improper or expired registration can lead to fines and even vehicle impoundment if the registration is more than six months out of date.

What to Do With Your License Plates After a Total Loss

If your vehicle is declared a total loss, you should remove the license plates immediately. You can either surrender your plates to the DMV when you cancel the vehicle registration, or you may be able to transfer them to your new vehicle if you have personal license plates. It’s important to never leave the license plates on the vehicle when it goes to the salvage yard, as this can lead to fees or legal issues for lost or undeclared plates.

Special Situations: Keeping or Rebuilding a Totaled Vehicle

In most cases, a totaled vehicle will be sent to the scrapyard, but you can also keep or rebuild your vehicle if you choose. In this case, you’ll usually have to accept a reduced settlement from your insurance company. Next, you’ll have to file for salvage vehicle registration in California and notify the DMV within 10 days of your insurance settlement to legally be able to keep your totaled vehicle. If you choose to rebuild the vehicle, it must be inspected by the California Highway Patrol and confirmed as a revived salvage vehicle before you can legally drive it again.

How Insurance Companies and the DMV Work Together

It can be confusing to navigate vehicle registration after a total loss. Fortunately, your insurance company and the DMV work together to streamline the process. If your vehicle is considered a total loss, your insurance company should report it directly to the DMV. After that, your insurance company will work with you on the settlement, which may take more time. Note that this applies to situations where your insurance company takes possession of the vehicle after the loss. If you choose to keep your vehicle for parts or to repair it, you may be responsible for reporting it to the DMV, depending on your insurance company’s policies.

Call Jacob Emrani for Expert Vehicle Collision Support in Southern California

When you need a car accident lawyer in Los Angeles, Jacob Emrani is your go-to for expert personal injury law. Our team is highly knowledgeable and skilled at fighting for you, with over 25 years of experience and no hidden fees. Contact us today to book your free consultation and see how much your case is worth.