[Mattl0806]

Hey guys,

A family member was in a car accident (everyone is fine). Front end is pretty smashed in. Was leaking antifreeze all over the road. But no clue the extent of the mechanical dmg. But Drivers airbag went off etc. They were driving a new Audi.

Trying to get some advice for them.

A) car was towed to a local body shop
B) maybe it’s going to be considered totalled?

So on a) I think my advice would be to get it over to Audi - simply bc why not if the insurance is going to be paying for it.

B) I think they would prefer it to be totalled. They are financing so this would be a big hit on the cars value etc… long term reliability gets thrown out the window. Going to Audi where things are more expensive probably helps these chances too?

Thanks in advance.

[mattsrs]

Originally Posted by Mattl0806

Hey guys,

A family member was in a car accident (everyone is fine). Front end is pretty smashed in. Was leaking antifreeze all over the road. But no clue the extent of the mechanical dmg. But Drivers airbag went off etc. They were driving a new Audi.

Trying to get some advice for them.

A) car was towed to a local body shop
B) maybe it’s going to be considered totalled?

So on a) I think my advice would be to get it over to Audi - simply bc why not if the insurance is going to be paying for it.


B) I think they would prefer it to be totalled. They are financing so this would be a big hit on the cars value etc… long term reliability gets thrown out the window. Going to Audi where things are more expensive probably helps these chances too?

Thanks in advance.

If airbags went of and front is smashed in, 99% will be totaled. If it didn't get totaled, they can have insurance fix it and then they claim "diminished value" which will make insurance pay the value of the car lost because of the accident

[cobramite]

Originally Posted by Mattl0806

Hey guys,

A family member was in a car accident (everyone is fine). Front end is pretty smashed in. Was leaking antifreeze all over the road. But no clue the extent of the mechanical dmg. But Drivers airbag went off etc. They were driving a new Audi.

Trying to get some advice for them.

A) car was towed to a local body shop
B) maybe it’s going to be considered totalled?

So on a) I think my advice would be to get it over to Audi - simply bc why not if the insurance is going to be paying for it.

B) I think they would prefer it to be totalled. They are financing so this would be a big hit on the cars value etc… long term reliability gets thrown out the window. Going to Audi where things are more expensive probably helps these chances too?

Thanks in advance.

Post pics. Sounds like it is a total loss.
I have a friend who is in the business of insurance adjusting for several companies and can in many cases tell from a pic or two whether a car is totaled or not.
Replacement parts have become profoundly expensive.
Superficial damage with little or no deeper effects can total up to 20 grand. It really does not take much to "total" a vehicle, even a new one.
The adjuster can evaluate the damage where the vehicle is now. If repairable it can be transfered to Audi.

[Mattl0806]

Originally Posted by cobramite

Post pics.
I have a friend who is in the business of insurance adjusting for several companies and can in many cases tell from a pic or two whether a car is totaled or not.
Replacement parts have become profoundly expensive.
Superficial damage with little or no deeper effects can total up to 20 grand. It really does not take much to "total" a vehicle, even a new one.
The adjuster can evaluate the damage where the vehicle is now. If repairable it can be transfered to Audi.

Thanks I’ll try to get some picks.
Good to know the adjuster go there and then they can transfer to Audi.

[LuvMyE92]

A new audi could be $50K or $150K. Big difference in which gets totaled.

Most dealers don't do body repairs. It's really up to the insurance adjuster, not the shop. Just leave it and save the cost of transport.

[cobramite]

Many dealers have their own collision work centers or own them under another name.

[puckybadger]

Originally Posted by mattsrs

If airbags went of and front is smashed in, 99% will be totaled. If it didn't get totaled, they can have insurance fix it and then they claim "diminished value" which will make insurance pay the value of the car lost because of the accident

"Diminished Value" is rarely paid by insurance companies.

[Clk Group]

You can also search for an Audi Certified Repair Facility.

[BlkGS]

Originally Posted by puckybadger

"Diminished Value" is rarely paid by insurance companies.

That's not true. They just rarely pay it without a lawyer to force the issue. This is common practice in vehicles like Corvettes, Vipers, 911s where it makes a big difference in the value for these quasi collector cars. Some companies will pay when you threaten to get a lawyer, others you have to actually follow through.

Some states don't have provisions for diminished value though.

[rmorin1249]

Originally Posted by BlkGS

That's not true. They just rarely pay it without a lawyer to force the issue. This is common practice in vehicles like Corvettes, Vipers, 911s where it makes a big difference in the value for these quasi collector cars. Some companies will pay when you threaten to get a lawyer, others you have to actually follow through.

Some states don't have provisions for diminished value though.

My 2 week old Audi A4 was sideswiped and required a new rear quarter panel. I filed a Diminished Value claim with my insurance carrier. They sent me a check for $1700. I treaded the A4 the next week for an A6.

The Audi dealer that took the A4 in trade recognized that it had been repaired but said they could certify it and sell as a CPO. I don't believe the damage ever appeared in Carfax but I didn't check once it was no longer mine.

[mattsrs]

Originally Posted by puckybadger

"Diminished Value" is rarely paid by insurance companies.

If you know how to get them to pay, you will be paid. It is a separate claim and you can get a representative or lawyer for relatively cheap to handle it for you and they will quickly pay to settle.

[roamio]

Originally Posted by LuvMyE92

A new audi could be $50K or $150K. Big difference in which gets totaled.

Most dealers don't do body repairs. It's really up to the insurance adjuster, not the shop. Just leave it and save the cost of transport.

^^^^^
This is good answer. Was it loaded RSQ8 or basic Q3? Leaking antifreeze doesn't mean that engine is damaged. The way it sounds repair could be 30-40K. Still might not be enough to total car.

[eelnoraa]

I agree as well. And if repair properly, it may not impact long term reliability at all. It is just less desirable in used market within certain age range. Say 10 years. After that the next buyer probably don’t care.

[Mattl0806]

Originally Posted by eelnoraa

I agree as well. And if repair properly, it may not impact long term reliability at all. It is just less desirable in used market within certain age range. Say 10 years. After that the next buyer probably don’t care.

Thanks - I think they’d be very happy to see it totaled. No chance they’d want to keep it for 10 years. Just start fresh. Rates are better now anyways

[KeltonPark]

I'm glad to hear everyone is okay after the accident. It's understandable to be concerned about the car's damage and whether it will be considered totaled. Getting it checked out at Audi sounds like a good plan, especially since insurance will likely cover it. They can assess the extent of the damage and provide a detailed repair estimate.

[Grayway]

It's been a year since the accident, and I hope everything has been sorted out for your family member. If the Audi was considered totaled, I hope the insurance process went smoothly. Totaling a car can indeed have a significant impact on its value and long-term reliability.