Total Loss?

Who decides if my vehicle is “totaled”? Your insurance company makes the decision about whether or not your vehicle is a total loss, NOT the repair shop. At T.A.C.S. we specialize in writing estimates and doing quality repair work for your damaged vehicle. We always provide your insurance company with complete and accurate information before any repair work is started, although there are some damages that are not uncovered until the repair process has begun.  The insurance company makes the decision whether it is financially worthwhile to proceed with the repairs or not.

At what dollar amount is my car considered a total loss? In most cases, vehicles are considered a total loss when the repairs exceed 75% of the value of the vehicle.   Insurance companies have their own formula to appraise the vehicle’s value so this percentage will change depending on which insurance company you have.

How do they determine the value of my car?  Insurance companies use various criteria to determine the market value of your car. For example, they take into consideration the mileage, condition and features that your vehicle has as well as recent sales in the market area. Tax, title and license costs can also be a part of the evaluation.  We would advise you to check out kbb.com or nada.com to help you get a “ballpark” idea of what your vehicle is worth if in good condition.

What happens if the car is “totaled”? Once the insurance company determines the vehicle is totaled, they buy the vehicle from you at a fair market price AFTER you have paid your deductible. For example, a fair market value price may be $5,000. The customer deductible is $500. Therefore, the customer will receive a check for $4,500 (5,000-500). The insurance company will often sell the vehicle at a discounted cost to a recycling company or at auction to recover some of the costs.

The brothers and folks at TACs provide service and attention that earns them the loyalty of every customer. Almost anybody and repair shop can fix cars but these TACs folks care about their business, their reputation and their customers. Terrific place to go to when car troubles take over your life.

Chuck Naylor, Customer

The guys at TACS are real! They’re all super sweet, honest and just awesome people! If you’re looking for an excellent experience without any hassles this is the place for you. They did great work on my brands new vehicle and I’m happy to say I’ll be telling everyone about it.

Colleen Hasselback, Customer

This business does not just deal with cars… it deals with people. Not only does my car get fixed when I bring it there, but I get treated with respect and kindness. The prices are fair, the work they do is great, and the way they accommodate their customers is a breath of fresh air. Bring your car to TACS.

Paddy MeBoy, Customer

Not your average body/mechanic shop. These guys at TACS are honest and care about their customers. I was told from dealership that I needed all new brakes – easy sale…but they confirmed I only needed front pads. I won’t go anywhere else. I’m bringing all of my car needs to TACS – and spreading the word to friends in town. Even out of town. Very trustworthy, family business.

Emily Martin, Customer

Friendly and quick, yet incredibly thorough. I live in Clifton Park and refuse to bring my cars anywhere else. It’s my only recommendation for all of my friends who need assistance with their cars.

Alyssa Cukerstein, Customer

This is one of the best places to bring your car in the Capital District. I have been a loyal customer of theirs for a few years at this point. I came to them because I needed some body work done on my car and not only were they a pleasure to deal with, the repair was done perfectly and on time. It was easy to work with them and my insurance company. I was more than thrilled when they started to expand their business to take mechanical work as well. I brought my next car purchase to them to have them look over it before making a decision to purchase and have brought it to them for everything from oil changes, to more complex issues. The nice thing is, they are not out to get your money like most places, only once have they advised me to take my vehicle somewhere else because they did think it was in their wheelhouse (issue with transmission that was handled by the dealership). They are truly an A+ company!

Thomas Nolan, Customer

Unbelievable service. The guys at TACs are always so helpful. I pulled in 15 minutes before closing and they serviced my car right then and there. They take the time to explain everything – such as the difference between synthetic and regular motor oil and why I should be using the less expensive product for my car (based on mileage and other factors). They’ve won a lifetime customer through integrity and good intentions.

Todd Porter, Customer

Great people there. Honest. I have actually gone there more for advice or to help me with little things since I like to fix my car myself as much as I can and they have helped me in their parking lot and never charge me. If I ever did get in an accident that I couldn’t fix I would go to them for sure.

Shay McGlynn, Customer

My experiences at TACS have been great. My parents used to go to a different body shop when I was growing up… once I started going to TACS my whole family followed suit and we have all been beyond satisfied with the service. If you go into the waiting room at TACS you won’t find a single frown. The owners and employees treat everyone with so much respect and professionalism that it fills the shop with positivity. If you take your car TACS, you will find yourself smiling, too.

Patrick Farley, Customer