My 2024 RX350 with 4500 miles got T-Boned in California. Luckily, no one hurt. Major damage to passenger side (both doors & panels). Airbags deployed. I assume (because of extent of damage and airbags having deployed that there's damage to the unibody frame and other major parts) and, therefore, that car is a total-loss. Anyone have any suggestions on how I can ensure that the insurance company (CONNECT by American Family Insurance) agrees that the car is totaled?

 

I’m glad to hear no one was hurt.

Usually, once airbags deploy it’s almost a sure thing, especially with the “major damage”, as you say, to pretty much the whole passenger side.

Any damage to the frame would be the same.

I hope they give you a decent settlement if they do total your car.

 

Regarding settlement. Please correct me if I'm mistaken. In California the "actual cash value" of the vehicle before the collision must be determined. 2024 RX350 with only 4500 miles shouldn't have depreciated that much. What's the most accurate way to determine actual cash value?

 

I’m no insurance expert, especially for Cali and I wouldn’t want to give any false presumptions.

So I hope someone will chime in and offer their expertise or experience in car values and insurance settlements.

 

I do have "new car replacement" coverage. Which, it's my understanding, is only available for the first year after purchase.

 

I used to have that until my insurer arbitrarily changed it to 30 months full replacement cost instead of the original 5 years.(which would cost them $10 grand with the betterment if it was totalled today; in five years, who knows?).

 

I'd protect myself by going to an autobody shop you trust, as opposed to going to one "pre-approved" by an insurance company as they may have an incentive to NOT total the car. Pre-approved places work great (for me anyway) with relatively minor stuff, but I don't want a conflict of interest on something this big.

 

It depends on you state and company. I have Travelers in VA and have full replacement coverage for 5 years from purchase date. (it's worth the $88 a year extra for the peace of mind).

 

Yes but will the new car replacement cover the 25% tariff from Canada? I doubt the insurer will pay for that. Sales/deliveries of the RX are going to collapse once that takes full effect, Toyota isn't going to swallow that long term. I know that if my RX cost 25% more, no way I would have bought it.

 

That's a good question about how tariffs will affect insurance. Hopefully I wont need to find out. When looking at different options prior to my annual renewal I found that many companies don't even offer full new car replacement. Progressive gave a lower quote than Travelers but didn't offer full new car replacement as an option.

 

A lot of wheel spinning until your insurance tells you what they will or won't do.

 

Below is a direct quote from another thread:

"Toyota doesn't add tariffs to their cars."

At least that's what was stated for the U.S., anyway. Not sure about Canada.

 

Not true. They just don't plan on raising prices "for now." They can't sustain 25% tariffs without passing much, if not most of the cost, to consumers. But this entire situation changes by the minute....it's a real consideration though.

 

Okay

 

Doubtful that the car will be totaled. Airbags - $5000-$7000 depending on how many; bodywork - $10,000 maybe $15,000. That car is worth at least $50,000.
Do the math.

However, you should go after them for diminished value - probably $10,000 to $12,000. American Family will try to lowball you on this. Get a licensed diminished value appraiser to produce an estimate - will cost around $250 but get you close to the full amount.