Over 20K worth of front end damages, not including paint or other parts the body shop might find.

[Gage]

Hi everyone, After owning my Model 3 SR+ for only 12 days, I rear-ended a large pickup truck at a stoplight. The light turned green, he began driving and stopped. The body shop estimator said yesterday the damages are over $20K, not including paint or other incidental parts. He said, "Don't worry we won't total your car." The Tesla insurance agent said my car has a long way to go before it's totaled. She said you're driving a $50,000 car. I said I purchased my car for $39,900. The body shop estimator said if there is any damage to the frame they can repair it. They also said it would be done in 30 days. I don't trust them. What can I do? How do they decide if your car is totaled? I appreciate any input you can give. I'm really down. Many thanks....Gage

 

[stopcrazypp]

Hi everyone, After owning my Model 3 SR+ for only 12 days, I rear-ended a large pickup truck at a stoplight. The light turned green, he began driving and stopped. The body shop estimator said yesterday the damages are over $20K, not including paint or other incidental parts. He said, "Don't worry we won't total your car." The Tesla insurance agent said my car has a long way to go before it's totaled. She said you're driving a $50,000 car. I said I purchased my car for $39,900. The body shop estimator said if there is any damage to the frame they can repair it. They also said it would be done in 30 days. I don't trust them. What can I do? How do they decide if your car is totaled? I appreciate any input you can give. I'm really down. Many thanks....Gage

They total your car is the value of the car is less than it costs to repair. Given your car is essentially brand new, that is unlikely if the repairs are around $20k.

 

[father_of_6]

It's just a car (a fantastic one though). Time will pass, you'll get your car back looking brand new. Cheer up, you own a Model 3!!

 

[Yapa Drive]

Are you having it repaired at a Tesla certified repair shop?

 

[STLUCIE]

A $20,000 initial estimate can easily turn into double that amount. Wait until the insurance appraiser assesses the damage after which you'll have a better idea. You will be better off with a total loss because after having a repair history, the car is going to be worth half of its pre-accident FMV because of the structural damage. As the crash was your fault, you can't go after diminished value in California. And, keep in mind that, after repairs, if someone should cause a significant amount of damage, collecting for diminished value on a car that was previously repaired is notoriously difficult.

 

[Gage]

Are you having it repaired at a Tesla certified repair shop?

Thanks for responding! I’m having it repaired at a recommended body shop by Tesla. The insurance rep isn’t working for me and the body shop “Don’t worry we won’t total your car.” I don’t trust the body shop. So far 70 parts.

 

[Gage]

Are you having it repaired at a Tesla certified repair shop?

Thanks for your help. No, I’m having the work done by a body shop on Tesla’s preferred list.