Have you had Tesla tell you it isn’t fixable? If not, get their official recommendation and quote if they can fix it. An insurance company’s decision that a car is unfixable just means that they will pay you blue book (and there are lots of blue books), value that theoretically is what you could buy an identical car for. Because of the things that you mentioned, you may have a hard time finding a replacement ... they should pay you enough for you to buy a 1 year olds stealth with 12,000 miles or see that you’s is repaired.
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Model 3 totaled! please advise
- Thread starter ddreww
- Start date
RedBaronCircus
Member
Drew, DVC. Diminished Value Claim. Worked for me and was sent a check AFTER full repairs of rear end accident. Very minor.
I was in the near exact same position but had an SR+ Model 3. It ended up that the insurance company (my policy) covered everything and went after the accident-causer's company. I ended up with the entire purchase price after they did the comparison (Model 3 used prices are very high in that first year). I even got back the $1000 deductible that was on my policy. I guess I sorta lost the federal deductible because I replaced it after the federal EV rebate was off the books. ALSO, as your car is totaled, I would 'suggest' taking everything that you can from the vehicle. Mats, charge cords and adapters, USB, USB cords, etc. Spare parts for you new car! Pray that Biden gets the new EV rebates in place for your new car.
The official Tesla 'new & used' cars site is to your advantage. The insurance company has to find equivalent cars selling / sold for the for the $ they're offering you as 'comps'. In my experience this 'comps' competition comes down to who can spend/waste the most time/money finding comps - you vs the insurance adjuster who gets paid for 'comps time'. Whatever your insurance adjuster finds at whatever random used car website, send them to the Tesla site to find a comp there - nothing older / more miles / fewer / different features except to your advantage - or of course they can build a new one. If you bought the totaled car new directly from Tesla, Tesla is clearly the most trusted source, making this 'feature' of real - highest? - value in the comp.
More Cowbell
Member
In most states you are entitled to the replacement cost of your vehicle with like kind and quality, plus tax and rental vehicle costs for a reasonable period of time. So the bottom line is that you would break even. If you are dealing with a reputable insurance company they know that and should pay that amount. So I recommend that you price out, as close as possible, a comparable used Tesla with like mileage and condition and require that amount before you incur expenses. If a Stealth is not available then you are entitled to that difference in value lost. A property damage settlement would not include the value of injuries and other damages, if applicable. If the accident was not your fault then you are entitled to be made whole.
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You can't claim Diminished Value on a totaled car, as they are paying you the full pre-accident value of the vehicle. (You are already made whole.) DV only applies to cars that are fixed after a collision.
Good level headed thinking. I’ve always found insurance companies to be fair and honest. No need to get all spun up and think they owe you the moon.
Ouch. I had the same issue while parked. Just a bumper for me which cost $2282 total. Only $365 for the bumper cover from Tesla the rest was paint, labor and calibration of the radar and sensors. Problem was the idiot had *sugar* insurance (Falcon) and they wouldn’t pay the Tesla authorized shop labor rate. Rather than fight I put it through my insurance and let them go after Falcon. There was no impact to my rates. Those videos sure make it an open and shut case. If you get in trouble in San Antonio and need body work on your Tesla take it to Alamo Heights Collision. These people are awesome.
I don't have any insight into the insurance aspect but would be curious to know how well your M3 protected you from injury. Supposed to be the safest car on the road. Hope you're well.
RaeW
Member
I would think there is a difference depending on whether one is in a no-fault state or not. Why would one be dealing with one's insurance company rather than the insurance company of the other driver if not in a no-fault state? I once got rear ended in NJ (not in a TESLA) and the offender's insurance company tried to get me to accept a used trunk lid. I said no and they paid for a new one.
Regardless if I'm at fault or not my issuance has taken care of me out of their pocket immediately and then gone after reimbursement for themselves from other parties, as necessarily. There goal has always been to take care my needs ASAP and deal with everything else themselves on their time schedule.
Reddy Kilowatt
Active Member
We had one of our 3's totaled last year. The insurance companies were looking for comps and couldn't find any at the time. I warned them I considered the car new with only 8K miles on it. It was Opti coated and had tinted windows added. in two phone calls they paid us 5K over the price of a new car. we got a new car from Tesla within a week and recoated. it was painless but mainly because there were no Comps at the time. They had to by a new car. The overage paid all the fee's. We were also lucky that my son was T Boned Second car from impact car running red light at 55 MPH and walked away from it. The fire wall got buckled so they had to total it. I think I Could have driven the car. That was probably another reason for lack of injury on our side. No one else did go in the crash. 4 hospitalized.
CapeOne
Active Member
6.25% is the Massachusetts sales tax but the percentage varies by state. There can also be other taxes e.g., some states, including Massachusetts, have motor vehicle excise taxes which are paid annually.
@SabrToothSqrl What a hassle. Do you mind sharing which insurance company you were using? I'd like to avoid that. Thank you.
Not the OM. But I’ve been with Allstate for 30 years. Everyone had something to say about all other insurance companies. But honestly they cost a little more but they have always stuck by me. Been very flexible. Repairs wherever I wanted. Quick and issue to resolve. They always take care of me quickly and then handle the rest on there side even if it takes a years with the other party. Be it my fault or the others. The possible key for me is getting to know my local agents (3 over the years) who have always championed for me if there was even a slightest hint of any pushback with corporate adjusters. They have always been very “flexible” in my programs or other ways to lower my rates as much as possible while also maxing my coverage. You want to make sure that you have enough cover to avoid loosing any of your money or possessions and I have about $2M of coverage, partially using an umbrella policy (with home) which I HIGHLY recommend. Short of a civial trial for something I’m at fault at with extenuating circumstances I’m more then covered and won’t get my house, business, or partial payment taken from me. There had been a few issues in both sides that could have been a headache for me to personally deal with and / or cost loads of money. My rates have remained more than reasonable and Allstate has always taken care of all the work unless I choose to be involved. It’s been an anolsute pleasure. With numerous family, personal, work and other issues over the decades it’s nice to know they have my back, fight for me, and get me the outcome I desire. Even with my last issued where my Tesla was totaled I was paid thousand more than a new car, got a updated model, extra warranty, another referral, and still pocketed thousands. Even in one situation where corporate wanted to drop me (one time) while in high school and only driving 6 mph, my local agent argued for me and I kept my policy with NO premium bump.
This is likely not most people’s experience with any insurance company, let alone Allstate, or especially THREE different (local) agents; but for me I CAN’T say ENOUGH good things.
Again not the cheapest.
But something I’ve always lived my life by is “Buy The Best” (not the most expensive) and you’ll always be happy.
So far after half a century it’s worked out quite well.
This is likely not most people’s experience with any insurance company, let alone Allstate, or especially THREE different (local) agents; but for me I CAN’T say ENOUGH good things.
Again not the cheapest.
But something I’ve always lived my life by is “Buy The Best” (not the most expensive) and you’ll always be happy.
So far after half a century it’s worked out quite well.
SabrToothSqrl
Active Member
eSurance / AllState - with every coverage maxed. The guy who hit her had no insurance. Still pisses me off. Don't wish this on anyone, but I'd sure like to find that guy...
Absolutely don’t skimp on insurance buying on line is fraught with danger get a good broker to get your insurance
