Tesla Motors Club

Hi all,

I am an owner of a 2018 Tesla Model 3 with roughly 20k miles, which recently got in an accident. I am a first time car owner, and have some questions for you about repair vs totaling.

In the state of California, the totaling evaluation is based on the Total Loss Formula, where if (Cost of Repairs + Salvage value > ACV) the car is totaled. Here's where I stand:

• Cost of repairs estimated at 28k
  
  
• KBB fair ACV at $35k
  • Private buyer valued at 39/40, but I don't want to count that in this estimate, to stay conservative.
• Amount still owed in financing: $31k
  
  
• Salvage price unknown. Damage is purely to rear left end and still completely operational, so I'd estimate on the higher end as far as salvage prices go.

My situation is that I know of some other shops that have lower per hour labor costs. In the interest of making sure the car is NOT totaled, I've reached out to them for new quotes. My question is- is this even worth pursuing?

I know my premium is going to spike after this, so why not just let them total the car (if that is what the appraiser decides)? TLDR: Just got in accident- what are the benefits of totaling versus coming in just under the Total price? What is in my best interest?