Total loss laws in Wyoming

When is a car totaled in Wyoming?

Short answer: Wyoming sets no percentage threshold for insurer-paid claims (Wyo. Stat. § 31-2-106(a)(v)), so the total-loss decision is generally the insurer's under your policy. The 75% figure in Wyoming law does not apply when an insurer pays the claim.

A 'salvage vehicle' is one an insurance company has declared a total loss; the test of repair cost exceeding 75% of actual retail cash value (per a nationally recognized appraisal guide or other Department-approved source) applies only when no insurer is involved in settling the claim.

Source: Wyo. Stat. § 31-2-106(a)(v)

Many online tables mix up title-branding rules with the insurer's own decision. Compare the total loss threshold in every state.

Does insurance pay sales tax on a total loss in Wyoming?

Short answer: Wyoming rules do not clearly say. We found no rule that clearly requires it, so check your policy and ask the adjuster to show the tax line.

No Wyoming statute or Department of Insurance rule requiring sales tax, title or registration fees in total-loss settlements was found; the Department's physical-damage claims rule (Ch. 33 § 33-4) is silent. A law-firm 50-state chart reports that the Department's position is that sales tax is included in third-party total-loss settlements, based on the vehicle's appraised pre-loss value, but says no statute, rule or formal opinion supports it.

Source: 044-33 Wyo. Code R. § 33-4 (silent); Wyo. Stat. § 26-13-124 (silent)

Tax on a replacement car in Wyoming

4% state rate (3% plus an additional 1%, W.S. 39-15-104). County local-option taxes are added; the county treasurer collects at first registration at the rate of the owner's county of residence.

Source: https://www.wyoleg.gov/2026/Enroll/SF0079.pdf

See the sales tax and fee rule in every state.

How must the insurer value your car in Wyoming?

No Wyoming rule prescribing total-loss valuation methods (comparables, radius, dealer quotes, itemized deductions) was found. The Department's Unfair Trade Practices rule requires insurers to adjust first- and third-party motor-vehicle physical-damage claims by one of three options: pay the loss in its entirety in money based on an appraisal of the damage, repair the vehicle, or replace it. The unfair claims settlement statute (for practices frequent enough to be a general business practice) prohibits failing to promptly give a reasonable explanation of the policy basis for a denial or compromise offer, failing to attempt in good faith a prompt, fair and equitable settlement when liability is reasonably clear, and compelling insureds to sue by offering substantially less than is ultimately recovered.

Source: 044-33 Wyo. Code R. § 33-4(a)-(b); Wyo. Stat. § 26-13-124(a)(vi), (vii), (xiv)

To check the numbers in your own report, read the CCC valuation report, line by line and how projected sold and typical negotiation deductions work.

How long does the insurer have to pay a total loss in Wyoming?

Short answer: Under Wyoming rules, payment is due within 45 days after the claim and supporting bills. A decision is due within 45 days after the claim and bills (accept or reject and pay). If payment is late: a court may award attorney's fees and 10% interest if the refusal is unreasonable.

Property or casualty claims must be accepted or rejected and paid within 45 days after the insurer receives the claim and supporting bills. If an insurer's refusal to pay the full covered loss is unreasonable or without cause, the court may award attorney's fees and 10% annual interest. No acknowledgment deadline in days was found; the unfair claims statute requires insurers to acknowledge and act reasonably promptly on claim communications and to affirm or deny coverage within a reasonable time after proof of loss. The insurer must answer Department inquiries within 20 calendar days.

Source: Wyo. Stat. § 26-15-124(b)-(c); § 26-13-124(a)(ii), (v); 044-33 Wyo. Code R. § 33-5

Compare claim deadlines in every state.

Can you negotiate a total loss offer in Wyoming?

Short answer: Yes. You can reject the offer in writing, ask for the full valuation report and the reason for each deduction, and send your own evidence. The Wyoming Department of Insurance takes complaints about claim handling.

Yes. Dispute in writing and ask for the policy basis for the offer (Wyo. Stat. § 26-13-124(a)(xiv)). Use the policy appraisal clause if available, or contact the Wyoming Department of Insurance; its Consumers page links 'File a Complaint' to an online consumer portal hosted on gov.sircon.com. Track the 45-day accept-or-reject-and-pay deadline. In court, an unreasonable refusal to pay can bring attorney's fees and 10% interest under § 26-15-124(c). Small claims (circuit court) is available for small amounts. The 4-year limitations period covers injury to personal property.

1. Ask the adjuster in writing for the complete valuation report and the list of comparable vehicles.
2. Check it line by line: negotiation deductions, condition ratings, comparables, tax and fees. How to read the report.
3. Send a written rebuttal with your evidence and a specific number. How to dispute a total loss valuation.
4. If you still disagree on a claim under your own policy, consider the appraisal clause.
5. If the insurer does not follow the rules above, file a complaint with the state.

How long do you have to sue over a totaled car in Wyoming?

Short answer: Generally 4 years to sue for damage to your car (Wyo. Stat. § 1-3-105(a)(iv)(B)). Your policy may set a shorter limit for suing your own insurer.

Property damage claims in Wyoming generally must be filed within 4 years. Your policy may set a shorter deadline for suing your own insurer; check its "legal action against us" clause.

Source: Wyo. Stat. § 1-3-105(a)(iv)(B)

How to file an insurance complaint in Wyoming

Short answer: File a free complaint with the Wyoming Department of Insurance online. It asks the insurer for a written response, but it cannot set the amount you are owed.