Is it totaled?

[69 SS 350 5 Speed]

Looking at the picture, it appears that the quarter panel is pushed in far enough to close the gap at the front of the trunk and if that is so, that means the inner structure is bent. This repair will go above $10,000.

[Dropspeed]

Just out of curiosity, how many of you that have replied actually work as an estimator for a collision shop or insurance company?

[Raulo19]

I work for an insurance company, not as an adjuster.

[Stewart]

Originally Posted by Dropspeed

Just out of curiosity, how many of you that have replied actually work as an estimator for a collision shop or insurance company?

I have worked as neither, but I have stayed at a Holiday Inn Express.

[maddoggyusa]

It's always more than you think... I bet the bill will be at least $7k. If it's kinda iffy to be totaled, you can tell your adjuster you want the vehicle repaired and they'll usually work with you. Just remember you'll have a crash on your vehicle history and it will hurt you later.

In case it's totaled, look up similar vehicles in your area with similar mileage (cars.com, autotrader.com). Others I've told this to have negotiated higher values if they give you a low-ball number for your car. Other times they give a fair offer and it's just good you checked.

[Raulo19]

Originally Posted by maddoggyusa

Just remember you'll have a crash on your vehicle history and it will hurt you later.

On that note, ask about the diminished value sure to the accident if it's repairable.

I'm wondering what damage there is underneath. If the subframe is damaged to the point that a new one wouldn't bolt up cleanly, it's done. It may just be a bent strut.

[Orange skid mark]

Just out of curiosity, how many of you that have replied actually work as an estimator for a collision shop or insurance company?

I am not an adjuster or work for an insurance company (I am an engineer) but I went through this just over a year ago. I double checked all the part costs when they told me they were going to fix it. My estimate ended up being closer than the body shops estimate to the actual cost to repair in the end. The insurance company should have totaled my car cost wise and wish they did after they realized I would not get suckered out of my diminished value claim. I stuck to my guns and got what I deserved. It cost them $19k to settle and fix my car that cost me $24k to buy new 3 months before I got hit. Most people are not as persistent as I was on the diminished value claim. In NC your car is totaled when the repair is 75% of the value of the car at the time of the accident.

[maddoggyusa]

Originally Posted by Orange skid mark

I am not an adjuster or work for an insurance company (I am an engineer) but I went through this just over a year ago. I double checked all the part costs when they told me they were going to fix it. My estimate ended up being closer than the body shops estimate to the actual cost to repair in the end. The insurance company should have totaled my car cost wise and wish they did after they realized I would not get suckered out of my diminished value claim. I stuck to my guns and got what I deserved. It cost them $19k to settle and fix my car that cost me $24k to buy new 3 months before I got hit. Most people are not as persistent as I was on the diminished value claim. In NC your car is totaled when the repair is 75% of the value of the car at the time of the accident.

I"m curious how much did you get for the diminished value?? what process did you use??

[18LTLoveIt]

I work in insurance, as a licensed agent and I have had my fair share of accidents. My post was on the low side, as another pointed out. How did estimate go?

[acammer]

Originally Posted by Dropspeed

Just out of curiosity, how many of you that have replied actually work as an estimator for a collision shop or insurance company?

I work for an insurance company, but in Reporting/Analytics, not adjusting. I do work on the side with a mechanic and auto-body friend who is an estimator and we do a couple flips a year together on wrecks - I've developed a decent eye from that experience. And of course we have plenty of idiots (both in the form of deer and people that can't drive) around here so I've had my fair share of personal insurance adjustment experiences.

How'd the estimate go? Please tell me they put the car on a lift and got a good look underneath. Seems obvious, but I've had to chase supplements for some "obvious" stuff that the estimator shouldn't have to have been told to find. I always try to be on-site when it's my own stuff.

[myold88]

As an auto appraiser/adjuster/supervisor for many years for 4 major insurance companies I will tell you this car is a "Constructive Total Loss". First you complete an estimate for the obvious damages. Then determine the ACV- (actual cash value) then the estimated salvage value. None of this can be answered by looking at a picture or two on camaro5.
An educated guess on this car from what is known, I would think it should be totaled.

[Liveandlearn]

Thank you for all of your replies. I really do apreciate everyones opinion. I would like to reply to some of you specifically but i have been really busy. For now i will just say the adjuster came back and the total costs for repairs so far will be $10k. Athough this does not include the suspension damage if any. I guess it could add up to another 4k if that, i really have no clue..my old g35 had to get full rear end replaced and that was 2300 at an overpriced shop. Anyone have any experience with a full rear end replacement cost?(absolute worst case scenario) If anyone would like to know specific amounts for anything feel free to ask because that is what i looked for on the forums and could not find specific amounts. Again i appreciate all your comments.

[Liveandlearn]

Update.

Total cost of repairs is now at 13,500.
It jumped from 10k due to the lower and upper control arms, cv axle , and shock absorber being damaged. I know most people would just total it by now.

[Gunmetal Speedster]

Sucks this happened, sorry to hear OP