$21k in damage to my 2010 S4 :(

[turr520]

Sorry this happened to your car. Good luck w/ having it fixed.

[helix139]

Originally Posted by NWS4Guy

I'd be seriously pissed, and they need to reimburse you for dimisished value, since the car is now depreciated since it was wrecked.

I'd also have it checked over VERY carefully, as I would be shocked by seeing the rear damage and buckled trunk if there was not frame damage - in which case I would push to have it totalled.

+1 on everything Neal said. This is major damage and you need to be compensated for not just the repair, but the loss in value, regardless of if they are using insurance or not. It's easy to get a diminished value appraisal report online and relatively inexpensive. If they won't pay it, ask for their insurance information and file a claim. If they refuse, file a police report for refusing to provide insurance information. If they still won't pay, take them to court and you should win pretty easily.

Good choice on going Audi certified on the shop. If they find any unibody or subframe damage push to have it totaled.

[carguyrob]

Originally Posted by soljc

I figure the car was worth $40k+ before the accident, so doubt I could get it totalled.

Keep in mind that a car is not actually considered totaled when the repair costs exceed the original value of the car. Most insurance companies use a figure like 75% of the original value as the totaling figure. They do that because they know with expensive repairs (like yours), they will certainly uncover unexpected expenses as they start to tear apart and repair the car. If you can get them to re-evaluate the frame, you might be able to get it totaled.

Your only problem is going to be that the garage owner wants to pay for this out-of-pocket. He isn't going to be too willing to write you a check for $40k+ and take possession of your destroyed car.

If you are comfortable talking with your insurance agent, you might want to run the situation by him/her and see how you should best handle this. Talking to your agent isn't the same as submitting a claim. Your agent may advise you that it is best that you go through your own insurance to get it properly fixed (or totaled) and then they will get the money from the other party.

[helix139]

Originally Posted by carguyrob

If you are comfortable talking with your insurance agent, you might want to run the situation by him/her and see how you should best handle this. Talking to your agent isn't the same as submitting a claim. Your agent may advise you that it is best that you go through your own insurance to get it properly fixed (or totaled) and then they will get the money from the other party.

I disagree with involving your own agent in any way on an accident with another party at fault if you can at all avoid it. They are going to look out for their own business and corporate policy, which says always report it to them and let them handle it. It can come back and bite you in the ***. Go through the other party's insurance ONLY. You're also very unlikely to get diminished value compensation going through your own insurance.

[carguyrob]

Originally Posted by helix139

I disagree with involving your own agent in any way on an accident with another party at fault if you can at all avoid it. They are going to look out for their own business and corporate policy, which says always report it to them and let them handle it. It can come back and bite you in the ***. Go through the other party's insurance ONLY. You're also very unlikely to get diminished value compensation going through your own insurance.

Well, you are even more unlikely to get diminished value if the other party isn't using his insurance and instead paying for it out-of-pocket!

I was only suggesting you talk to your insurance agent if you have a comfortable working relationship with him/her. I have called my agent in the past and asked for advice how to handle an insurance issue and it hasn't impacted my insurance or rates at all (Allstate). This certainly won't work if you have an insurance company that only works with a call center for questions.

[Foogie]

Originally Posted by NWS4Guy

I'd be seriously pissed, and they need to reimburse you for dimisished value, since the car is now depreciated since it was wrecked.

I'd also have it checked over VERY carefully, as I would be shocked by seeing the rear damage and buckled trunk if there was not frame damage - in which case I would push to have it totalled.

Couldn't agree more. Take it to an Audi authorized body shop that your dealer has a relationship with. We did a diminished value claim on my wife's X5 and our total damage was 12k. We ended up with over 6k diminished value. The diminished value report cost us a flat fee of $400 I think. Hope everything works out. I would sue the valet company for pain and suffering!

[thomasjordan]

So sorry to hear...

[TO407S4]

OMG I'm so sorry. It's not even my car and my stomach dropped when I saw it. Wish you all the best and hope everything works out for you. Please tell me they fired that worker!

Hope your insurance companies are better then Ontario.

[mkato13]

That sucks. Im sorry.If it doesn't sound like its gonna work out in your favor or that the values gonna drop and hit car fax before you can trade it in Id consider talking about suing to recover your loss. Totally messed up. Sorry

[Evlengr]

Originally Posted by helix139

+1 on everything Neal said. This is major damage and you need to be compensated for not just the repair, but the loss in value, regardless of if they are using insurance or not. It's easy to get a diminished value appraisal report online and relatively inexpensive. If they won't pay it, ask for their insurance information and file a claim. If they refuse, file a police report for refusing to provide insurance information. If they still won't pay, take them to court and you should win pretty easily.

Good choice on going Audi certified on the shop. If they find any unibody or subframe damage push to have it totaled.

Absolutely follow this +1. I was on my way in to trading my Jeep GC when I got rear ended. I had it fixed and when I brought it in the adjuster noticed it immediately due to the shiny new strut underneath. The other's insurance tried to balk at DV but I pursued it as my car was reappraised several grand less right off the bat.

Tell them you are going to file with the insurance commisioner..that works well to.