The total loss threshold
Colorado uses a 100% threshold in statute, but in practice carriers often total a vehicle when the repair assessment plus salvage value reaches roughly 70–80% of its actual cash value.
That means the same storm can total an older sedan while a newer truck with identical dents gets repaired. The dent damage is the same — the vehicle value is what changes the outcome.
Why PDR changes the equation
Because paintless dent repair costs significantly less than conventional bodywork, a PDR assessment can pull a vehicle back under the total-loss line. We have saved plenty of cars from a salvage title simply by repairing them the right way.
If your adjuster's number looks close to the value of your car, get a PDR-specific assessment before accepting a total-loss offer.
If it does get totaled
You can often negotiate the actual cash value with comparable listings, and in many states you can buy the car back and repair it yourself. A hail-damaged but mechanically sound vehicle can be a bargain if you go in with your eyes open.