Tesla Write-Off Advice

[fieldydwb]

We got in an accident (not at fault) and the insurance company is writing it off as wrecked and offering us a salvage value of 15k for this P85D.

To me the damage doesn't look extensive but the air bags were deployed in the front which is a big pain and the sensors at the front would cost a pretty penny

I know the pictures aren't that detailed, but is it worth the gamble? I think it is but I'm no expert.

On the outside only the bumper is ruined + sensors and their is a leak from the cooling system at the front. Inside is only airbag deployment.

Any advice would be so appreciated.

 

[Super_Popular]

Your insurance company is saying that your car is with $15K?

 

[fieldydwb]

They're willing to settle full amount less 15k and I get to keep the car and repair myself. So essentially, I pay 15k for the car as it is.

 

[Max*]

That accident doesn't seem too bad...

 

[Zaphod]

At what speed was the impact? Doesn't look like it was too fast, but since the air bags deployed maybe not. Looks like a fairly easy fix, but air bags can be difficult to source. Also looks like coolant is leaking out, so that adds another layer of issues to fix.

 

[fieldydwb]

No, just airbag deployment causing the issue. I am based in Cayman so I'd have to ship the thing over to Miami and get repaired and ship back. Hence one of the big reasons they're just going to write it off. The risk is that I won't know the actual extent of damage until it arrives. From looking at it, I mean, it just looks like cooler damage, front bumper damage, sensors and airbags...

 

[fieldydwb]

It was about 28 mph give or take with braking. Yeah coolant leak. How big a deal is that in and of itself? The body work should be easy, it'd be the air bags, coolant, sensors and bumper fix..I gather like 15-20k damages?

 

[JHWJR]

Get an estimate from Tesla or someone else on what it will cost to repair. Why are you guessing?

 

[ev-now]

Would think you could ship to mainland and part out above 15k, but no idea of cost to get to mainland. Recent discussion here concerning front end damage lists all parts Tesla says should be replaced - 13K was total with no body damage. You have interior for all deployed airbag too - which will add up fast. I guess it depends on the year, motor and options ...

 

[Sir Guacamolaf]

Get an estimate from Tesla or someone else on what it will cost to repair. Why are you guessing?

^^ ditto. Repair shops will give you an estimate, and see if they'll stick to it.
If repair shop estimate + diminished value < 15K .. take the insurance company offer.
Otherwise, .. what is the other choice your insurance company is offering you?

However, I hate to tell you, most likely the repair cost will exceed 15K. Still, looking forward to what you find out.

 

[Buddy]

Is my damage similar to yours? This is my 2016 S60 (refresh).

Total repair bill about $48,000
Accident was Nov, 19th, 2016. Still being repaired today.

 

[ev-now]

View attachment 217135
View attachment 217134

Is my damage similar to yours? This is my 2016 S60 (refresh).

Total repair bill about $48,000
Accident was Nov, 19th, 2016. Still being repaired today.

Wow - that looks like a great reference point to consider! Because yours looks 'minor' too in the grand scheme of accidents.

 

[182RG]

View attachment 217135
View attachment 217134

Is my damage similar to yours? This is my 2016 S60 (refresh).

Total repair bill about $48,000
Accident was Nov, 19th, 2016. Still being repaired today.

Any wonder why insurance companies are now refusing to write new Tesla policies? Wow.

 

[LuPapa]

View attachment 217135
View attachment 217134

Is my damage similar to yours? This is my 2016 S60 (refresh).

Total repair bill about $48,000
Accident was Nov, 19th, 2016. Still being repaired today.

Seems that 15k is a bad deal. I'd take the full pay out and let them keep the car. Unless you own a body shop.

 

[fieldydwb]

The only way for me to get an estimate is to send it to mainland (costs about 2-2.5k each way). I haven't yet signed the offer so I could just take the buyout and let them keep the car. I figured from the looks of it that the damage was minimal but I did see that 48k case before which worries me.

 

[fieldydwb]

As well, the settlement value is based on KBB and some other source (the average of)..so the value compared to what it'd actually cost to get a similar used one is about 8k less. So no matter what I end up losing about 8k plus costs of import w/ the full settlement value. Annoying when the accident was from someone else's negligence.

I don't have any body damage except for the front bumper and its electronics. The side skirts and side body are all perfect. That's one difference from the pictures above. Buddy, do you have an invoice of where the costs were that you'd share or maybe just a brief break down of where the major costs are?

 

[jelloslug]

If it were me I would buy it. I have repaired salvage cars before though.

 

[K-MTG]

If only a Tesla owner on the forum owned a body shop, I am sure that would make us all feel better.

Wow $48k for that minor damage

 

[Buddy]

Minor damage...sort of.

Almost everything on the front end took some form of damage, enough to require replacement.

Headlights, bumper, fenders, hood, windshield, etc.

Then of course the 4 interior airbags with their associated parts. (Panels, sensors, etc).

It added up quick.

 

[Buddy]

Referring to my case