Another update on the crashed '06. Things are moving at the speed of molasses in winter. Once the repair center pulled the fenders and bumper off, they found another $5k in underbody (bent/crumpled fender supports and the A pillar door jamb) and mechanical damages. The halfshaft on the passenger drive wheel was broken (haven't seen a pic of that yet). Also, they still haven't had the mechanics from dealer's service center look at the car. So, we're up to close to $10k. I wonder what the write-off value is?
KBB for the car is about $16k for a private sale. My musing was how much more (in damages) would be required for the word "totaled" to be thrown out there. Remember, the dealer's collision center has only estimated visual damages at $10k. If a half shaft was broken - whatever their definition of "broken" is - there could be mechanical damage to the trans.
I called that one Keep us posted. From what you're saying I'm guessing that you are hoping it gets totalled? I would be.
I thought the rule was generally something like 75-80% of the replacement value. I don't know if they use the Private Sale numbers but if they did that would mean that when the repair gets into the $12,000 - $13,000 range they'll call it a total. While that will likely suck in the short term, it will probably be a good thing thin the long run. Just remember, no one was hurt and it is just a car.
Insist on original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts if you want them. About 6 percent of those surveyed felt pressured by their insurer to use non-OEM fenders, doors, bumpers, and other repair parts. I've had terrible results with Ameriprise. While their rates are cheap -- it's because they really fight tooth and nail on any claims. Consumer reports didn't even rank them on the top fifty auto insurance companies. BTW, the top ranked auto insurance company is Amica Mutual Insurance.
For all the prii that are totaled for much less damage, that's pretty amazing. Make sure that they know you will keep on submitting claims until the car is fixed right. Now way is it going to drive just like it did before. Are the crumple zones going to be preserved when they have to weld the frame? Make sure to take detailed photos of the frame after they get the body parts off. I think your car will suffer years of issues due to this if they don't just total it out. Unless your policy states they're allowed to use remanufactered parts, they must use OEM new if you ask for it.
