The Shoulder
The Shoulder
60
Property damagequiet-crow-888

Pretty sure my car is totaled but insurance won't confirm for days — do I just buy something new?

So I got rear-ended at a stoplight last Tuesday by someone who had to have been going at least 45 mph. They pushed me into the intersection and I got clipped by a third car coming through. My trunk is completely crushed, both rear doors won't latch properly, one of the rear quarter panels is basically folded inward, and the rear axle is visibly bent. Multiple airbags deployed.

I've been driving a rental since the accident but my rental coverage only lasts another week, and the insurance company is dragging their feet on whether it's an actual total loss. They keep saying their appraiser is "backed up" and they need more time.

Here's my situation: I still owe money on the car, I've got GAP coverage thankfully, but I genuinely don't know if I should just go ahead and finance a replacement now or wait. My commute is about 35 miles each way and I can't exactly take the bus.

The car is a 2021 with around 78k miles — not brand new but not garbage either. I bought it certified pre-owned about 14 months ago. No accidents before this one on the CarFax.

If insurance comes back and says it's NOT totaled, am I just stuck owning a car that's been in a major crash with frame damage? That feels insane. And if they DO total it, will the payout actually be fair, or do they just give you some lowball number and call it a day?

Has anyone been through something similar? How did it shake out for you?

12replies

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12 replies

  • 19
    tidy-newt-396

    I went through almost this exact thing two years ago. Rear-ended bad, axle bent, multiple airbags — and insurance took forever. What I did was start researching comparable vehicles on my own (same year, similar mileage, same trim level) in my region and screenshot everything. When they finally sent me their valuation it was low, and I was able to push back with actual listings. They bumped the offer. Don't just accept the first number they throw at you.

  • 19
    daring-heron-617

    So here's the thing — from the inside, when an adjuster says they're 'backed up,' that's sometimes true and sometimes a stall. Either way, you can push. Ask them specifically: has the vehicle been inspected yet, and has a repair estimate been generated? If the estimate already exists and it's close to the ACV (actual cash value), they already know it's likely a total. They just haven't committed in writing yet.

    Also, ask about extending the rental. A lot of policies have provisions for that, especially when the delay is on THEIR end, not yours.

    • 16
      genuine-tern-646

      Don't buy a replacement car yet. Wait for the total loss payout first — otherwise you're financing two things simultaneously and that's a mess. If the rental situation is becoming a real problem, escalate with the insurance company in writing (email, not just phone calls) and mention that the delay in their appraisal is causing you out-of-pocket hardship. Paper trail matters.

  • 15
    careful-hare-267

    Do NOT just trust whatever payout number they land on. Insurance companies have every incentive to undervalue your car. They use their own valuation tools that often pull from lower-end comps. You have the right to dispute it. Get your own comps, document everything, and don't sign any release until you're actually satisfied with the number.

    • 7
      calm-passenger126

      Thanks for sharing. Hope things are getting a little easier for you.

  • 14
    curious-finch-987

    A couple things worth knowing: most states have a total loss threshold — usually somewhere between 70-80% of the car's fair market value in repair costs — that triggers an automatic total loss determination. With a bent axle and multiple deployed airbags, you're almost certainly over that line. Also, if the rental delay is caused by their appraisal backlog, you may have grounds to request they cover the rental beyond your policy limit. Worth asking directly and getting it in writing if they agree.

  • 7
    bold-swan-082

    I just want to check — how are YOU doing physically? A rear-end impact that hard can do a number on your neck and back even if you feel okay right now. Soft tissue injuries sometimes don't fully show up for a few days. Please see a doctor if you haven't already, and make sure everything gets documented. Don't just focus on the car situation and forget about yourself.

  • 18
    kind-otter-253

    Quick question — is the claim going through the other driver's liability insurance or your own collision coverage? That actually changes the leverage you have and the timeline you're dealing with. If it's through theirs, you might have less direct control but you also have the option of going through your own insurer first and letting them deal with subrogation on the back end.

    • 2
      kind-survivor475

      That lines up with what my adjuster told me too.

  • 19
    warm-sparrow-759

    The GAP coverage is honestly huge here. So many people don't have it and end up underwater when their car gets totaled. At least you won't be left owing money on a car you no longer have. Once the payout comes through you'll have a clean slate to start over with.

    • 2
      curious-driver602

      Thanks for sharing. Hope things are getting a little easier for you.

  • 5
    gentle-swan-433

    This sounds so stressful, I'm sorry you're dealing with it. The limbo of not knowing is the worst part. Hoping the appraisal comes back soon so you can just make a decision and move forward.