My apologies if this message should be on a different sub-forum but saw some damage and repair related posts here hence doing the same -
My 5 month old Model 3 was hit by another car from the right (other party's fault), a week back, as they did not see oncoming traffic and turned right directly into my lane. The jolt was really hard and threw me off my lane and almost off the road. The damage was quite a bit but honestly not as bad as I thought (pic attached). The dents start from front right of bumper and along the top of the tire. And scratches along bottom rocker panel (passenger side). The front passenger side tire seems to have taken a big hit. One key outcome is the car is not driving in a stable manner at all as I suspect the wheel damange has more to it. I see the errors - automatic Emergency braking disabled, stability control disabled, vehicle hold feature unavailable. I also see that "Lane departure avoidance features are unavailable". In summary the car is wobbly, not drivable and needs to be towed to the shop.
I opened the claim with my insurer (Connect) and they are working with the other party's insurance (USAA) to establish their fault and liability. However I am a bit confused by some aspects of the process
1) Where to repair ? The adjuster is sending the pictures and videos of the damage for initial estimate to one of their "approved" repair shops. I indicated my preference to get it repaired at a Tesla service center and they said once the estimate is received they will send it to Tesla service center of my choice for their "approval". However it is likely Tesla service center will indicate higher cost at which point it is up to me whether to go elsewhere. That surprised me because my thought was if the other insurance accepts fault (which I am sure they will have to considering the dash cam video evidence) am I not allowed to get it repaired at a shop of my preference (Tesla service center) at their expense? Why should I be forced to go to a "authorized" center. Also are these Insurance authorized shops also Tesla authorized? Since I am still waiting for repair estimate I have some time to decide on the way forward ..This part is confusing me.
2) In addition to above, are Tesla service centers actually good at body repair work or is it probably better to get the repair done at an "authorized" auto body repair shop. Also I am in South California and my adjuster pointed out it might take 2-6 weeks (as of today's average) to get the car into a Tesla Service center. That makes the decision and situation even worse and confusing for me.
3) Regarding rental car, I requested my adjuster to work with the other insurance (USAA) to get me an eV rental. I get free charging at work and based on the inconvenience and issues caused by the other party it seemed a reasonable ask. But I was given the heads-up by my adjuster to expect only "same car size" and not necessarily eV. Tesla service center giving a loaner is something I have heard of but not having high hopes considering the wait times and rush I am hearing at these service centers. As of now I am pushing my adjuster to negotiate the eV rental or gas cost reimbursement at a minimum.
4) I also would like to explore the diminished value claim and loss of use claim ..am reading up on the great references in other threads here and will get back.
The above will kick into motion when the liability is established (hoping in a day or two as the two adjusters are talking today) but the repair process and rental aspects are something I would deeply appreciate any guidance on.
My 5 month old Model 3 was hit by another car from the right (other party's fault), a week back, as they did not see oncoming traffic and turned right directly into my lane. The jolt was really hard and threw me off my lane and almost off the road. The damage was quite a bit but honestly not as bad as I thought (pic attached). The dents start from front right of bumper and along the top of the tire. And scratches along bottom rocker panel (passenger side). The front passenger side tire seems to have taken a big hit. One key outcome is the car is not driving in a stable manner at all as I suspect the wheel damange has more to it. I see the errors - automatic Emergency braking disabled, stability control disabled, vehicle hold feature unavailable. I also see that "Lane departure avoidance features are unavailable". In summary the car is wobbly, not drivable and needs to be towed to the shop.
I opened the claim with my insurer (Connect) and they are working with the other party's insurance (USAA) to establish their fault and liability. However I am a bit confused by some aspects of the process
1) Where to repair ? The adjuster is sending the pictures and videos of the damage for initial estimate to one of their "approved" repair shops. I indicated my preference to get it repaired at a Tesla service center and they said once the estimate is received they will send it to Tesla service center of my choice for their "approval". However it is likely Tesla service center will indicate higher cost at which point it is up to me whether to go elsewhere. That surprised me because my thought was if the other insurance accepts fault (which I am sure they will have to considering the dash cam video evidence) am I not allowed to get it repaired at a shop of my preference (Tesla service center) at their expense? Why should I be forced to go to a "authorized" center. Also are these Insurance authorized shops also Tesla authorized? Since I am still waiting for repair estimate I have some time to decide on the way forward ..This part is confusing me.
2) In addition to above, are Tesla service centers actually good at body repair work or is it probably better to get the repair done at an "authorized" auto body repair shop. Also I am in South California and my adjuster pointed out it might take 2-6 weeks (as of today's average) to get the car into a Tesla Service center. That makes the decision and situation even worse and confusing for me.
3) Regarding rental car, I requested my adjuster to work with the other insurance (USAA) to get me an eV rental. I get free charging at work and based on the inconvenience and issues caused by the other party it seemed a reasonable ask. But I was given the heads-up by my adjuster to expect only "same car size" and not necessarily eV. Tesla service center giving a loaner is something I have heard of but not having high hopes considering the wait times and rush I am hearing at these service centers. As of now I am pushing my adjuster to negotiate the eV rental or gas cost reimbursement at a minimum.
4) I also would like to explore the diminished value claim and loss of use claim ..am reading up on the great references in other threads here and will get back.
The above will kick into motion when the liability is established (hoping in a day or two as the two adjusters are talking today) but the repair process and rental aspects are something I would deeply appreciate any guidance on.