Will Insurance Write Off my 2009 Prius

Prius lost to a dump truck. The dump truck driver was stopped in the left turning lane and I was stopped at a traffic light immediately to his right. All of a sudden he decides to make a right turn and his rear right tires ripped across the front of my Prius!

Amazingly the car still drives (luckily I carry large zip ties) and the damage appears to be superficial. However, a friend of mine recently had his Prius totalled with far less damage - it was slightly older and more miles though! I've babied this car and really do not think I can get an equivalent car for the money that I'd likely receive if its written off. It has just over 80k miles and is in great condition.

My main worry as far as functionality is concerned is the coolant heat storage tank is dented - this part alone is almost $1k new. However, I cannot see any leaks and it is still firmly attached to the frame...so maybe it can be left as is. Here are some pics...

 

Good advice. I just got back from getting two quotes - Incredibly they were both almost identical at just under $5500. When the truck driver's insurance assessor contacts me, should I tell them I've received these quotes? Here's a thought, if they agree to this figure, can I request that they send me the check directly or will they need to directly pay the collision shop...or does it depend on the insurance?

If they're willing to simply send me a check for the estimated amount (which is really a minimum a/c to the assessors), then I would be willing to tackle the repair with a friend who has some body work experience. Its risky, but I'd take a shot - I'd rather go this route than have the car written off. Then I'd hope the money I'd save would offset the increased risk of not having the vehicle repaired by a reputable body shop..what do you guys think?

I'd prefer not to go through the ordeal of getting a salvage title.

 

Does anything look like its missing from the front of the radiator? Anyone got a picture of a 2nd gen Prius with front bumper/grill removed?

 

Nice, thx! If you have any of the drivers side front internals, please post too.

 

That's what I'm hoping. Still would be a risk for me as there may be more extensive damage that I'm unable to see - I don't think that's the case though, so I would be willing to roll the dice.

I just got off the phone with the truck driver's insurance and told them of the two quotes I received. They are still going to get their assessor to examine the car which I'm assuming is standard practice. If they agree to cover the damage and not write off, when and how should I ask if it is possible to pay me direct instead of them paying the body shop?

 

It's my understanding that if I get the payment directly (and use the funds to do the repairs myself), I would not be able to claim for any damage that is discovered later. I've heard about that diminished value, perhaps I can negotiate with the insurance - but I don't want them to get to the point that they decide to rather write it off. I'd also prefer not to go through the salvage title process.

 

Well its official. Insurance has decided to total the car. However, I think they have offered a reasonable settlement. They will be giving me $7k and I get to keep the salvaged Prius. The salvage value was around $1200. There may be some hidden damage, but for this amount, I'll roll the dice. If I can successfully get it approved to drive, I'll just drive it until it dies so I'm not concerned with a salvage title impacting its retail value. Absolute worst case scenario, I'll buy another 2009 and keep it for spare parts.

Anyone have experience getting a salvaged car back on the road in Georgia?

 

Thanks,

Anyone have any guesses if the coolant heat storage tank is likely compromised by the dents (I've got no clue about the internal structure of this tank). Its definitely not leaking and I've driven it about 50 miles in Georgia heat without any codes popping up. I'm assuming if there were any issues with the tank or the pump I would have seen a code.