Hello, was involved in a rear-end collision in my 2007 GS450h. Moderate damage. After the impact, the car won't start and the "hybrid system inoperable" message appears when I try to start the car. It was towed to a local collision repair shop. The insurance initial repair estimate is $8k before teardown. Question - can I assume the local collision shop will know what to do with the hybrid system? thank you

 

I'd call the local dealer and see what shop they recommend.

 

With that in mind, I'm leaning towards the vehicle being totaled.

 

there are some safety features, when battery moves or touches chassis it will shutdown.
or else it will electrocute you, its 600V in those and its a post collision safety.
All repairers will be able to repair and they will have to buy genuine lexus parts to replace it and lexus will send them a repair method which shows what they have to check and what they have to fix.
$8000 is the price to replace battery system, seems pretty cheap.
Rear bumper is over $1000 new, boot lid hinges plus paint and man hours.
Seems about right