Guy ran into my parked car at an auto shop — now insurance says it's totaled. I'm freaking out.

This happened to me two years ago and the first offer they gave me was laughably low. I pushed back with my own comparable listings — like actual cars for sale in my area with similar mileage and condition — and sent them in writing. They came up noticeably after that. Don't just accept the first number, it's almost never final.

The adjuster's job is to close your claim as cheaply as possible. That offer they gave you? That's the floor, not the ceiling. They're counting on you being stressed and just taking it. Do not sign anything or accept payment until you've at least looked into the valuation methodology they used. Ask them specifically which tool or service they used to calculate ACV and request the full report. You're entitled to it.

I used to work claims and honestly, total loss valuations are one of the most contested areas for a reason. The tools we used — and most carriers still use — pull comps from listings that can be cherry-picked or geographically skewed. If you recently put money into maintenance, that can sometimes be factored in but only if you push for it and document it. Receipts matter a lot here. Also yes, in most states you can do what's called a "retain salvage" — you keep the car, they deduct the salvage value from your payout. Worth asking about.

A few practical things: First, pull your own comps — search for vehicles like yours (same year, similar mileage, same region) and screenshot everything with the prices visible. Second, write a formal dispute letter to the insurance company referencing those comps. Third, if your state has a Department of Insurance, they have a complaint process and sometimes just filing one gets the carrier to revisit. It's not legal advice but these are pretty standard steps people take.

Not legal advice, but — you generally do have the right to dispute a total loss valuation and most states have specific processes for it, sometimes including appraisal or arbitration clauses in the at-fault party's policy. The recent maintenance receipts could support a higher ACV argument. It might be worth a free consult with a PI attorney just to understand your leverage here, especially since this is the other driver's liability coverage, not your own.

I'm so sorry, this is genuinely awful. You did everything right and you're the one dealing with the fallout. Please don't let them pressure you into a fast decision — take your time, gather your receipts, and don't sign anything until you feel like you actually understand what you're agreeing to.

Two things: 1) Get every piece of paper showing work you've done on that car. 2) Look up at least 5-6 comparable vehicles for sale within 50 miles and screenshot the listings TODAY before prices change. Send both to the adjuster in writing and say you're disputing the valuation. Be polite but firm. The squeaky wheel really does get the grease with insurance claims.

I know it doesn't feel like it right now, but the fact that liability is clear and not disputed is actually a big deal. A lot of people on here are fighting just to prove the other driver was at fault. You're past that hurdle, which means all your energy can go toward getting the right payout. That's a real advantage even if it doesn't feel like one yet.