Not "quite" a total loss--thoughts?
 

Nearly two weeks ago I got in a bad hydroplaning accident with my Z (horrible rear tread, it was raining cats and dogs) that resulted in me making contact with the highway divider twice, once on the front passenger side and another on the rear passenger side. Airbags deployed passenger side, but not driver side.

I dont have any good pictures of the damage, I was quite shocked after the impact.

This was my Z's second accident, it had previously been sideswiped in a parking lot, resulting in the replacement of the front right wheel housing panel and the passenger door panel.

Today, I finally got a call back from the collision center (the shop is certified for Nissan repairs, if that means anything), where they are conducting the examination to make a call on "total loss" or "repairable."

With just minor checks remaining on the car, the tally is at $11,300. Allstate gave the shop the "OK" to begin repairs, but are still requiring a final damage report. The appraiser made it seem like it could still fall either way.

Lets say the tally remained, and Allstate allowed for repairs. What would be your call? Save the car, or go ahead and cash in on a ride that could maybe never be the same?

Its a 2011 370Z 6MT Sports + Touring, with a Stage 1 ZSpeed Clutch Kit and Stillen Gen 3 Intake. 68kmi odometer. Keep in mind the kit had no more than 1000 miles on it, and the intake had no more than 200 miles on it.

At 11k I don't see how it's not totaled... The car is worth maybe 16k unwrecked?

Im surprised as well with a number like that. Probably why they stressed how it could fall either way. Allstate doesn't seem to have a set "total loss threshold" (typically between 60-80% of value)...definitely seems to be closer to that 80% mark.

I would personally take the totaling route. You can probably work out a deal to have the intake taken off before they take the car away.

:iagree:

I think it is really your call. Since the repair cost is bordered either way, you can probably work with the insurance company to reach a satisfactory outcome.

Personally, I would take the cash and move on. That's a lot of repair work.

Raining cats and dogs lol made me laugh. I worked for an Allstate agency and they pay out A LOT more than a majority of companies. But they keep their premiums in check with other major insurance companies. I say major because other real cheap companies dont repair quick take months, and wont live up to much. But overall I am kinda surprised they didnt make it a total loss. But there arent msny of them and I guess its worth a shot. Worst case scenario you get it repaired, it feels different than before. Then private sell or just trade in for something else.

It's always all about the $. Most insurance companies pay out when the repair's initial estimate is 80-90% of the appraised value. It depends on a lot of variables, if they are paying for a rental, keeping you in a rental for a month's worth of work is an extra grand for example. Also the potential for finding more problems as they take things apart to repair them can add more on top. So at 11k and a value of 15k is close but not quite.

If it was me, if the damage is mostly superficial, body panels, rims, tires, etc. I'd rather keep it, I'm always leery of buying someone else's used car especially sports cars. If it's major mechanical parts or a bent frame sell.

Hydroplaning is pretty easy in my car, RE-71R 275/305. It was raining pretty good New Year's Eve and the car was feeling pretty unsettled, glad your ok and best of luck.