Total Loss: Total loss by definition simply means an insurance company took ownership of a vehicle. It generally (but not always) means the damage (if any) exceeded 25% of the vehicles value. If an insurance company deems it total loss it doesn't automatically mean it is salvage. Total loss is considered a notation and Salvage or Rebuilt is a brand. Depending on the state a vehicle can be "totaled" but not "salvaged" and technically keeps a clean title. Total Loss is technically less than salvage. Total loss can also happen if the insurance company calls it "constructive total loss" which basically means the repair is inconvenient at the time. Causes for total loss and salvage: Insurance companies are generally going to factor in 2 things. The expense of the repair and the convenience of the repair. If a vehicle has too many expensive parts it will likely be totaled. If a vehicle cannot be repaired within a certain timeframe and for example a rental cannot be extended, the insurance will total the vehicle due to convenience. That being said, it is not a "one size fits all." Each vehicle has it's own unique story and it's best that you gather as much information as possible when purchasing a vehicle that has been damage and repaired. A lot comes down to the discretion of the adjuster working on the case. The picture you see to your right is a vehicle that was deemed "totaled"
