My friend had his VX220 totaled after what looked like a fixable accident. They don't like even minor subframe damage with the Lotus bonded aluminum chassis.
Exactly so.
My Roadster was taken to the one Tesla-certified body shop in my area, and they are very good. After removing body panels, they determined that the aluminum tub is damaged.
That, possibly along with a ridiculously low initial valuation, is the reason for totaling. Even after they revise the valuation, though, I doubt that they will reverse the decision to total.