It’s possible to see an indication of Total Loss without the vehicle being branded. If a certain threshold is met (set by the insurance company), the Total Loss trigger is set.
If your report indicates “possible total loss,” review the “Canadian Registration Section” to confirm the branding of the vehicle.
If "title/registered to an insurance company" is included with the record, the vehicle was deemed a total loss by the insurance company and ownership of the vehicle was transferred to that company.
For more information, please also see:
- Total loss
- Why is the claim amount higher than the value of the vehicle?
- Why does the estimate show “total loss,” but the vehicle was neither branded as “salvage” or “rebuilt?”
Before you buy a used car, we recommend that you get a CARFAX Canada Vehicle History Report, take a thorough test drive and have the vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic or auto technician to make sure the vehicle is functioning properly. We would also recommend speaking with your provincial vehicle registration authority to further ensure vehicle can be registered with and operated in your province.