Total losses are on track to take a larger share of insurance claims in 2025 compared to 2024—as the higher total loss trend continues, according to CCC’s final Crash Course report for the year.
The details: The findings reveal that the number of total loss vehicles is trending structurally higher due to several factors.
Total loss frequency rose from 22.1% to 22.8% in 2025, a +0.7 percentage-point increase.
2025 results appear poised to eclipse the 2024 record by close to a whole percentage point, with the share of total losses up +0.9 pp in Q3 year-over-year.
Why it matters: Rising total loss frequency means carriers are paying out more claims, which drives premium increases across the board. That compounds affordability pressures dealers are already seeing.
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Between the lines: CCC’s report reveals that several factors are driving the higher total loss trend, spanning the continuing aging of vehicles on U.S. roads to the disruptive nature of tariffs.
Over 72% of total loss valuations are on vehicles 7+ years old, and the U.S. fleet continues to age as consumers keep cars longer due to affordability pressures.
The number of smaller claims being reported has been declining, which mechanically raises total loss share.
Vehicle complexity with electronics and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) pushes borderline repairs into total loss.
Tariffs and economic headwinds can create unpredictable parts pricing surges and backordering challenges, and older vehicle repairs are harder to justify under these conditions.
Worth noting: In general, more claim dollars have shifted toward higher-cost outcomes, with the average total cost of repairs growing from $4,700 to $4,768 through Q3.
Bottom line: Every totaled unit creates a forced replacement shopper, and many are payment‑sensitive and insurance‑sensitive, which favors dealers who can quickly place them into appropriate used or lower‑MSRP vehicles.
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