“TOTALED: The Real Costs of Vehicle Loss” explores how rising repair costs and market pressures are reshaping consumer outcomes following vehicle collisions
Smithfield, RI — The Automotive Body Parts Association (ABPA) today announced the release of TOTALED: The Real Costs of Vehicle Loss, a new consumer research report prepared by Dr. Blaire O’Neal of Depth Services. The report examines how increasing vehicle total loss determinations are affecting household finances, transportation stability, and long-term consumer mobility across the United States.
Based on thirty in-depth consumer interviews conducted nationwide, the report documents how vehicle total losses often extend far beyond the insurance claim itself, creating downstream financial and logistical challenges for consumers.
The research identifies several recurring consumer impact pathways, including debt transition and amplification, wealth depletion, replacement vehicle downgrades, mobility disruption, and increased financial strain following a total loss determination.
“TOTALED provides an important real-world look at how total loss determinations are impacting everyday consumers,” said Edward Salamy, Executive Director of the ABPA. “For many families, losing a vehicle is not simply an insurance event — it can trigger long-term financial hardship, transportation instability, and reduced mobility options.”
The report also explores the broader economic forces contributing to increased total loss frequency, including advanced vehicle technology, escalating repair costs, labor shortages, and increasing collision parts pricing pressures. Importantly, the research highlights how actions by car companies limiting access to competitive replacement parts can further reduce affordable repair options available to consumers.
According to the report, quality aftermarket collision parts can play an important role in helping maintain affordable repair pathways, preserving consumer choice, and potentially preventing otherwise repairable vehicles from being declared total losses.
The report also discusses policy considerations focused on improving transparency and preserving competition within the collision repair marketplace.
Access the Full Report
https://www.autobpa.com/research/totaled-the-real-costs-of-vehicle-loss/
Take Action
Consumers and industry stakeholders are encouraged to support legislation that promotes consumer choice and competitive repair options:
https://www.autobpa.com/advocacy/take-action/
About the ABPA
The Automotive Body Parts Association (ABPA) is a leading trade organization representing manufacturers, distributors, and suppliers of aftermarket collision repair parts. The ABPA is dedicated to ensuring consumer choice, promoting high-quality parts, and fostering a fair, competitive business environment for repair professionals and consumers alike.
