Is my car a total loss? - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Alice Crush · 01-15-2025, 10:34 PM

I had a tree fall on my roof of my car (landing on my hood) and I was told by the insurance adjuster that my car damage is estimated at 9k, but it is a total loss because there was not a roof to be found in the whole US, so there is no way to repair the damage. It's a 2010 SS with only 28,000 miles. It is a bit devastating to me. Apparently roofs can't be removed from another car to use for repair due to industrial adhesives that are used in the roof area. Since I'm not familiar with insurance claims I'm not sure if I should believe what they are telling me, should I bring her to a trusted auto body shop and ask their opinion? Or just let her go. I feel like I'm getting duped. They are stating they will give me 21k and they'll get the car. I asked for 24k because that is what the nearest to me, with close to my mileage go for, but they are not budging.
Any help would be appreciated. I am sure there are things I could do or should consider that I'm not even aware of.
Wanted to check before accepting insurance offer.

Thank you

Mr_Draco · 01-16-2025, 02:11 AM

The roof of a vehicle is a structural part of the vehicle similar to the frame. Any damage beyond something that a paintless dent repair shop can fix will likely result in it being totaled because even after repair, the vehicle won't be as structurally sound.

Instead of just asking for more, provide proof with multiple cars, not just one. After doing that, you could also tell them, instead of cutting me a check for the amount, buy me this car that is the same make, model, and similar mileage. If all else fails and they refuse to budge, tell them you're going to get an insurance lawyer and take them to court over the difference. It will cost you some but if you have solid proof backing you that replacement cars cost more than your offer, you can not only get what you need to buy one but maybe even a little extra for your hassle. Sometimes even just a serious talk about getting a lawyer can cause them to give in with such a small difference cause they know it will cost them more than that even if they win.

102SS · 01-16-2025, 06:49 AM

I wrecked my 1984 HO TA when a brand new 1993 GMC 4x4 turned left right in front of me.

My insurance tried to low ball me but finally came around and gave me good value.

Hello 1988 GTA L98 with a little out of my pocket.

Hold firm they have to pay you out and you should be able to get your replacement at minimal cost.

Alice Crush · 01-16-2025, 10:40 AM

I had thought the pictures had uploaded, but I see they were not so I added them. It doesn't appear the frame was very much damaged, but I guess because a sunroof is impossible to fix without have future leaks, that is why it the roof should be replaced? I think I saw the non-sunroof roofs available. I wonder if that would be an option. To get one without the sunroof. But, I imagine this is going to kill the value of the car anyway since it won't be original. I was hoping to pass this down to my daughter one day.
Thank you for your reply. I really appreciate your time.

2010sgm · 01-16-2025, 10:44 AM

sadly i think it is. sorry for your loss....

Aqua Blue RS/SS · 01-16-2025, 11:11 AM

Idk from the pictures it really doesn’t look that bad to me. I know a lot of parts are obsolete but if it all it needs is the roof skin, that could be saved from an another car and reused without getting into the roof structure. Any chance you could post a pic or two of the estimate to see what exactly their scope of work is? I did collision repair for a while earlier in life.

Alice Crush · 01-16-2025, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aqua Blue RS/SS

Idk from the pictures it really doesn’t look that bad to me. I know a lot of parts are obsolete but if it all it needs is the roof skin, that could be saved from an another car and reused without getting into the roof structure. Any chance you could post a pic or two of the estimate to see what exactly their scope of work is? I did collision repair for a while earlier in life.

They never gave me an estimate for repairs, only a sheet for total loss. The claim adjuster told me on the phone that the repairs were just under 9K, but generally it would be a bit more due to more things being found while working on it to repair by autobody shop. He also said the roof couldn't be taken from another due to industrial glue used in the roof process. Apparently if you try to remove from another car it would get destroyed in the process. I was wondering if I should bring it to a shop to get their opinion instead of relying on the claim adjusters information. I wasn't sure if anyone else here might have had a similar replacement previously. Thank you for your response.

Alice Crush · 01-16-2025, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2010sgm

sadly i think it is. sorry for your loss....

Thank you. I appreciate that. It makes me want to cry. lol

1JEWLDSSRS · 01-16-2025, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aqua Blue RS/SS

Idk from the pictures it really doesn’t look that bad to me. I know a lot of parts are obsolete but if it all it needs is the roof skin, that could be saved from an another car and reused without getting into the roof structure. Any chance you could post a pic or two of the estimate to see what exactly their scope of work is? I did collision repair for a while earlier in life.

I have to agree with Aqua on this one. Looking at the pics which are kind of far away, it doesn't look like the roof "frame work/structure" was damaged, just the outer "skin" portion of it. You could also have a good body shop look at it before you accept the totaled check, maybe they can re-skin it with a roof from a non sun roof Camaro, and be done with it. Yeah she won't be "original", but at least it will be there for you to pass down. Sad that you had this happen. Good luck! Like stated, if the frame work hasn't been compromised/bent, a good body shop can fix it, they just need to source a roof skin.

Aqua Blue RS/SS · 01-16-2025, 01:23 PM

I’d be pretty surprised if an after market roof skin wasn’t available for these cars at this point. I’d definitely get a second opinion from another shop. Don’t let the insurance company man handle you. They will if you let them.

redcoats1976 · 01-16-2025, 01:34 PM

I had 13k worth of damage done to my 2015 RS a couple of years ago after being hit by a semi.the car was fixed and you cant tell it was ever damaged.it needed a the drivers quarter including halfway to the windshield,new door,new rear wheel and other miscellanious parts.im willing to bet a good body shop could fix your car.

1JEWLDSSRS · 01-16-2025, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aqua Blue RS/SS

I’d be pretty surprised if an after market roof skin wasn’t available for these cars at this point. I’d definitely get a second opinion from another shop. Don’t let the insurance company man handle you. They will if you let them.

They are out there, I have seen then in fiberglass and CF.. But yeah, as Aqua said, don't let them push you, it's YOUR car to do with how you want, not theirs!!

Moto-Mojo · 01-16-2025, 04:25 PM

I watch a ton of those car restoration shows. ANYTHING can be done by a lot of these people. Will it be up to OE snuff? Doubtful. Short of it being declared salvage, I think the car could be repaired and made very drivable again. It just may have no real intrinsic value as a resale.

Not sure how and if it can be registered as legal but I think it can. Someone pick me up here, please ...

bsn · 01-16-2025, 05:35 PM

I did auto body in the early 80's allot has changed but I see no reason why it can't be properly repaired-from what I can see a good PDR guy should be able to repair most of it. If it does require a roof panel the shop would take an entire roof section from a doner car and use heat and elbow grease to separate the old panel. Take it to a good body shop and get their opinion if they say they can do it ask what their process is and what kind of warranty they have. I would expect it to be well below 9K. A good body shop can make it as good as new, unfortunately there are allot of bad ones so shop carefully. You can buy the car from the insurance company and it wont come up as totaled.

01-15-2025, 10:34 PM	#1
Alice Crush Drives: Camaro SS Join Date: Jan 2025 Location: Massachusettes Posts: 5	Is my car a total loss? I had a tree fall on my roof of my car (landing on my hood) and I was told by the insurance adjuster that my car damage is estimated at 9k, but it is a total loss because there was not a roof to be found in the whole US, so there is no way to repair the damage. It's a 2010 SS with only 28,000 miles. It is a bit devastating to me. Apparently roofs can't be removed from another car to use for repair due to industrial adhesives that are used in the roof area. Since I'm not familiar with insurance claims I'm not sure if I should believe what they are telling me, should I bring her to a trusted auto body shop and ask their opinion? Or just let her go. I feel like I'm getting duped. They are stating they will give me 21k and they'll get the car. I asked for 24k because that is what the nearest to me, with close to my mileage go for, but they are not budging. Any help would be appreciated. I am sure there are things I could do or should consider that I'm not even aware of. Wanted to check before accepting insurance offer. Thank you Attached Images Last edited by Alice Crush; 01-16-2025 at 08:58 AM. Reason: Adding pictures that didn't post

01-16-2025, 06:49 AM	#3
102SS waiting at the tree Drives: SIM 2010 2SS/RS A6 Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Niagara Falls Posts: 4,423	I wrecked my 1984 HO TA when a brand new 1993 GMC 4x4 turned left right in front of me. My insurance tried to low ball me but finally came around and gave me good value. Hello 1988 GTA L98 with a little out of my pocket. Hold firm they have to pay you out and you should be able to get your replacement at minimal cost. __________________ 2010 2SS/RS A6 Just a few bolt-ons and appearance doo dads

01-16-2025, 10:44 AM	#5
2010sgm Drives: 2010 Camaro 1LT Join Date: Dec 2022 Location: Williamsburg, VA Posts: 649 View My Garage	sadly i think it is. sorry for your loss.... __________________ David Vianu 2010 Synergy Green 1LT

01-16-2025, 11:11 AM	#6
Aqua Blue RS/SS Drives: ABM #93 Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: Lotaburger Posts: 3,188	Idk from the pictures it really doesn’t look that bad to me. I know a lot of parts are obsolete but if it all it needs is the roof skin, that could be saved from an another car and reused without getting into the roof structure. Any chance you could post a pic or two of the estimate to see what exactly their scope of work is? I did collision repair for a while earlier in life. __________________ ABM #2399 2SS/RS:SOLD ABM #93 2SS/RS Black Rally stripes, Titanium Interior 4,000 miles: GM GFX side skirts and diffuser waiting on paint, GM dovetail, GM heritage, RPI ZL1 style splitter. ‘87 IROC-Z Iroc blue. all original unmolested with 50K miles.

01-16-2025, 01:23 PM	#10
Aqua Blue RS/SS Drives: ABM #93 Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: Lotaburger Posts: 3,188	I’d be pretty surprised if an after market roof skin wasn’t available for these cars at this point. I’d definitely get a second opinion from another shop. Don’t let the insurance company man handle you. They will if you let them. __________________ ABM #2399 2SS/RS:SOLD ABM #93 2SS/RS Black Rally stripes, Titanium Interior 4,000 miles: GM GFX side skirts and diffuser waiting on paint, GM dovetail, GM heritage, RPI ZL1 style splitter. ‘87 IROC-Z Iroc blue. all original unmolested with 50K miles.

01-16-2025, 02:11 AM	#2
Mr_Draco Drives: 2SS/RS Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Western North Carolina Posts: 7,359	The roof of a vehicle is a structural part of the vehicle similar to the frame. Any damage beyond something that a paintless dent repair shop can fix will likely result in it being totaled because even after repair, the vehicle won't be as structurally sound. Instead of just asking for more, provide proof with multiple cars, not just one. After doing that, you could also tell them, instead of cutting me a check for the amount, buy me this car that is the same make, model, and similar mileage. If all else fails and they refuse to budge, tell them you're going to get an insurance lawyer and take them to court over the difference. It will cost you some but if you have solid proof backing you that replacement cars cost more than your offer, you can not only get what you need to buy one but maybe even a little extra for your hassle. Sometimes even just a serious talk about getting a lawyer can cause them to give in with such a small difference cause they know it will cost them more than that even if they win.

01-16-2025, 10:40 AM	#4
Alice Crush Drives: Camaro SS Join Date: Jan 2025 Location: Massachusettes Posts: 5	I had thought the pictures had uploaded, but I see they were not so I added them. It doesn't appear the frame was very much damaged, but I guess because a sunroof is impossible to fix without have future leaks, that is why it the roof should be replaced? I think I saw the non-sunroof roofs available. I wonder if that would be an option. To get one without the sunroof. But, I imagine this is going to kill the value of the car anyway since it won't be original. I was hoping to pass this down to my daughter one day. Thank you for your reply. I really appreciate your time.

01-16-2025, 01:34 PM	#11
redcoats1976 Drives: LT W/2LT,blue metallic Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: central florida Posts: 5,032	I had 13k worth of damage done to my 2015 RS a couple of years ago after being hit by a semi.the car was fixed and you cant tell it was ever damaged.it needed a the drivers quarter including halfway to the windshield,new door,new rear wheel and other miscellanious parts.im willing to bet a good body shop could fix your car.

01-16-2025, 04:25 PM	#13
Moto-Mojo Fast Cars and Old Guitars Drives: 2015 2SS RS (L99, baby!) Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: N. CA Posts: 4,217	I watch a ton of those car restoration shows. ANYTHING can be done by a lot of these people. Will it be up to OE snuff? Doubtful. Short of it being declared salvage, I think the car could be repaired and made very drivable again. It just may have no real intrinsic value as a resale. Not sure how and if it can be registered as legal but I think it can. Someone pick me up here, please ... __________________ “I don’t want to belong to any club that would have me as a member.” - Groucho Marx

01-16-2025, 05:35 PM	#14
bsn Drives: 2013 ZL1 Join Date: Sep 2021 Location: Virginia Posts: 469	I did auto body in the early 80's allot has changed but I see no reason why it can't be properly repaired-from what I can see a good PDR guy should be able to repair most of it. If it does require a roof panel the shop would take an entire roof section from a doner car and use heat and elbow grease to separate the old panel. Take it to a good body shop and get their opinion if they say they can do it ask what their process is and what kind of warranty they have. I would expect it to be well below 9K. A good body shop can make it as good as new, unfortunately there are allot of bad ones so shop carefully. You can buy the car from the insurance company and it wont come up as totaled.