Last week, we found out our Model 3 got totaled. State Farm offered us $34,500 for the car. We said that was too low. A friend of mine, Jo, at Cleantechnica recommended the services of Collision Safety Consultants. From their website:
We are independent unbiased vehicle damage appraisers and inspectors specializing in the areas of vehicle diminished value, total loss assessments and pre-purchase & post collision repair inspections.
Collision Safety Consultants
Their estimate was the vehicle was worth $43,000, an almost $9,000 difference. I am engaging with them for help. There are three areas of concern.
- The value given to our vehicle is too low. Why do we have to fight our own insurance to get a proper value?
- The after market wheels we bought.
- FSD Beta. We bought Enhanced AutoPilot and FSD Beta for $8,000. To buy it new will cost $15,000.
Here is what led the car to being totaled. The total repairs were $28,500. This is above the total loss threshold of 75% compared to estimated value.
Some lessons learned.
- Seek outside help when you lack expertise, such as friends, lawyers, third party consultants
- If your car is totaled, don’t blindly accept the insurance company’s offer. Negotiate. They want to settle the claim quickly.
- Find used vehicles similar to yours to negotiate, such as KBB, Carmax, NADA, Carvana,etc.
- Bankrate has this article on how to negotiate with an insurance company company after a total loss.
- I’m regretting postponing our new Model 3 order. We’ll see if we get it before March 31st.
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