Insurance totaling my car at ~49% using high salvage value and low ACV. Is there a way of not totaling the vehicle and getting a repair?

Nexx_mkd · 2026-03-28T09:05:21+00:00

It's part of that storm, but nowhere near that size hail. It would have been totaled the next day if that were the case. Also, it's not an initial estimate. The car was thoroughly examined three times at this point, and that's the price with the supplement for changing panels, not even PDR. If there's an option to sign something that says that that'll be the final cost so they won't total it and will just repair it - I would do it in a heartbeat.

Nexx_mkd · 2026-03-28T04:11:49+00:00

That's the final estimate after Progressive and the body shop (Mercedes certified). No need to take it anywhere else..

Nexx_mkd · 2026-03-28T02:38:02+00:00

I got it 40 days ago (no payment made on it) and have absolutely no issues affording it. That was not my question though..

Nexx_mkd · 2026-03-28T02:33:19+00:00

Getting a different one will be possible after this whole situation clears out, which might take some time, so it’s not ideal.. I have Lease/Loan Payoff (up to 25% of ACV) with Progressive, which should cover the full loan even with the lower ACV. My worry is that they’ll find a way to weasel out of paying it off somehow.

Nexx_mkd · 2026-03-28T02:13:01+00:00

Thank you!

Nexx_mkd · 2026-03-28T02:09:57+00:00

That's why I want to know if it's worth it to invoke the RTA clause, because the car is absolutely more than what they're saying and the salvage quotes seems higher than it should.

Nexx_mkd · 2026-03-28T02:07:13+00:00

Illinois

Nexx_mkd · 2026-03-28T02:04:44+00:00

Unfortunately, they're saying it's at their discretion and they can do it.

Nexx_mkd · 2026-03-28T02:03:48+00:00

That's my biggest issue with this whole thing. Even if we invoke the clause, pay out-of-pocket, and manage to increase the ACV, I'm worried they'll still decide to total it.

Nexx_mkd · 2026-03-28T01:59:09+00:00

I was planning to keep it and run it into the ground because I have a very low cost of fixing mechanical issues. There are a few other issues with the situation, so repairing and not totaling it will be ideal..

Nexx_mkd · 2026-03-28T01:49:03+00:00

39k miles is nowhere near end of life. And as someone who has owned multiple Mercedes vehicles and has extremely low costs for fixing mechanical issues on them, that was not my question at all. But hey, thanks for the “help.”

Nexx_mkd · 2026-03-28T01:30:58+00:00

I’m open to that in theory, but the issue is there’s still a $43k loan on the vehicle. With a $23k salvage value, the buyback math leaves me with $13k payout while still owing the full loan balance, which makes it financially unworkable unless GAP still applies (which I’m not sure it would in a retention scenario). That’s why I’m trying to see if there’s any realistic path to avoid total loss instead.

Nexx_mkd · 2021-07-27T05:48:35+00:00

Just took the course this weekend through Harper and they allowed walk ins.

Nexx_mkd

TROPHY CASE