[Cfaust115]

I was recently in an accident in my 2015 Volt, another driver lost attention and came across the yellow line into my lane. I was able to avoid a straight head on collision by swerving to the side toward a side road but still got hit pretty hard (both vehicles traveling 30-35 mph). Both my daughter and I walked away relatively unscathed I have some cuts and bruising on my face and she has a seat belt mark on her abdomen.

My concern is that the insurance company said initial survey indicated it is repairable, but it sustained massive damage in my opinion. What do you think, will it be "totaled" or fixed? All airbags deployed except the front passenger main bag.

https://m.imgur.com/QOM955C

Link to a picture showing damage to vehicle.

I'm not sure what all is located in the driver side as far as components go but with the rear driver side wheel being ripped off, what appears to be structural damage (though I'm no expert) and almost all airbags deployed I just can't imagine the insurance company would fix it instead of totaling it.

 

[Cfaust115]

Just realized I could attach a photo here.

 

[Henry_FL]

That car will never be on the road again, once they get a detailed report it will be obvious

 

[Cfaust115]

While I am very happy that the car protected my daughter to the extent that today (the accident occurred yesterday) her only complaint is a small brush burn on her abdomen, I am slightly sad that I only owned the car for 3 months. The wife is already searching for a comparable one to replace it with. She was always a truck person but has fallen in love with the Volt.

 

[El Dobro]

With the whole left side wiped like that, I can imagine what it looks like underneath.

 

[Sean-a-Tron]

Looks like the frame was damaged. I'd say totaled. I can tell by how the doors are no longer aligned. Glad to hear you're alright though. Did the side curtain air bags deploy? (It's hard to tell, looks like they were already removed)

 

[Cfaust115]

Looks like the frame was damaged. I'd say totaled. I can tell by how the doors are no longer aligned. Glad to hear you're alright though. Did the side curtain air bags deploy? (It's hard to tell, looks like they were already removed)

Yes the side curtain airbags deployed, the only airbag that didn't was the front passenger airbag.

 

[VoltenRock]

That is terrible -- I am really glad you and your daughter walked away without major injuries. The Volt did it's most important job--protecting you and your family.

The "total" threshold is usually when repair costs exceed 80% of retail value. However, as someone who went through this recently, I would be very, very wary of the initial estimate as I would expect them to "uncover" some additional damage as they go through the repair process.

There are so many variables from a significant accident like this that it's often best to walk away. I'm not sure about your financial situation, but it's unlikely you'll come out "ahead" with the insurance settlement. Accidents just plain suck.

 

[llninja]

That car will never be on the road again, once they get a detailed report it will be obvious

Aw, come on. That will buff right out

Agreed, totaled.

@Cfaust115, glad you and your daughter are OK. Look at the bright side, now you have a perfect excuse to go car shopping and the insurance company should be cutting you a check if it has been determined that it is the other driver's fault. If someone totaled my car, I'd be looking for a used ELR or seriously considering using part of my wife's retirement to get a CT6 plugin, a Volvo v90 hybrid, a silverado crew cab, a Subyukonade, a Subaru Outback, a Tesla model S, or whatever touches our fancy. As you can see, I'm all over the map at the moment.

 

[freshcut]

Definitely another vote for "totaled". Unfortunately it seems most vehicles today are totaled in all but the most minor of accidents. Generally for good reason since they're built to absorb most of the impact unlike older vehicles. Add to that the cost of electronics and computers that are embedded in nearly any available space.

I hate hearing stories of people being involved in an accident, but I always like to hear about those who were in moderate to major collisions and escaped with little or no injury. Certainly makes the idea that my vehicle, although likely a financial loss when/if I do get into an accident, will also do the job it was designed to do and absorb the impact. Remember cars can be replaced, but your friends/family can't replace you.

 

[eric_n_dfw]

Looks like the frame was damaged. I'd say totaled. I can tell by how the doors are no longer aligned. Glad to hear you're alright though. Did the side curtain air bags deploy? (It's hard to tell, looks like they were already removed)

I didn't think any cars had frames any more with unibody. In any case, I'd be amazed if they didn't total that.

 

[llninja]

I didn't think any cars had frames any more with unibody. In any case, I'd be amazed if they didn't total that.

So more precisely, if the main unibody pan is damaged, it will be too cost prohibitive from a labor standpoint to remove everything that isn't damaged to a new unibody. The fact the rear wheel is torn off, I would guess the suspension mount points are all messed up.

Full disclosure, I've never worked for a body shop or an insurance assessor. We could get surprised here.

 

[Sean-a-Tron]

Looks like the frame was damaged. I'd say totaled. I can tell by how the doors are no longer aligned. Glad to hear you're alright though. Did the side curtain air bags deploy? (It's hard to tell, looks like they were already removed)

I didn't think any cars had frames any more with unibody. In any case, I'd be amazed if they didn't total that.

The unibody is the frame. Or at least that's the term I've seen used for it.

 

[dannycamps]

I'd agree with everyone else that this car is totaled. It did its job - protecting you and your daughter.

 

[indyflick]

I agree with everyone else, I don't see any way that Volt is not a total loss. Looking at that photo, did they attempt to drag your Volt on to that car carrier without placing a dolly under the rear?

 

[Cfaust115]

Yes they drug it up onto the car carrier without a dolly under it.

I was very impressed with the safety of the Volt, add to the fact that I typically drive without using gas, at least during the school year, and I just feel like replacing it with another volt is my best option.

Prior to owning this vehicle I owned a jeep wrangler, which I absolutely loved driving, at least until it came time to fill up the gas tank. I wasn't sure what I would think of moving into a car, but found the Volt to be comfortable, economical, and now very safe. I am thrilled that my daughter and I, along with the driver of the other car, walked away relatively unharmed (my face looks like I was punched in the eye but that is really nothing serious. I feel that if I had been in the wrangler things might have been much worse as it is not exactly known for it's high safety ratings. Overall I am very glad I purchased the Volt, and since I got such an amazing deal on it / great trade in value for my wrangler the insurance pay out should be well higher then the amount I still owe / borrowed for the car. It should give me the ability to replace it with another 2015 and be able to buy myself something fun like a cup of coffee from starbucks, maybe 2 cups from mcdonalds since they are a bit cheaper. The biggest issue right now is that we were on a road trip so now I am stranded far from home without a car (luckily this occurred 2 hours from my sisters house and she has been kind enough to share her car with me) it's the getting home part that is going to be difficult as I don't think she will let me use her car to drive 1500 miles back home.
The other aspect that still upsets me is that the driver of the other vehicle was "distracted" by dropping something, I assume it was his phone. But I was able to use this as an example for my daughter of why paying attention the entire time you are behind the wheel is important. Now I just need to figure out where my car was towed to and everything should flow smoothly. Thank god I had USAA insurance as I have heard horror stories of people with other insurers that have been stuck fighting them for months or even years.

 

[llninja]

Yes they drug it up onto the car carrier without a dolly under it.

I was very impressed with the safety of the Volt, add to the fact that I typically drive without using gas, at least during the school year, and I just feel like replacing it with another volt is my best option.

Prior to owning this vehicle I owned a jeep wrangler, which I absolutely loved driving, at least until it came time to fill up the gas tank. I wasn't sure what I would think of moving into a car, but found the Volt to be comfortable, economical, and now very safe. I am thrilled that my daughter and I, along with the driver of the other car, walked away relatively unharmed (my face looks like I was punched in the eye but that is really nothing serious. I feel that if I had been in the wrangler things might have been much worse as it is not exactly known for it's high safety ratings. Overall I am very glad I purchased the Volt, and since I got such an amazing deal on it / great trade in value for my wrangler the insurance pay out should be well higher then the amount I still owe / borrowed for the car. It should give me the ability to replace it with another 2015 and be able to buy myself something fun like a cup of coffee from starbucks, maybe 2 cups from mcdonalds since they are a bit cheaper. The biggest issue right now is that we were on a road trip so now I am stranded far from home without a car (luckily this occurred 2 hours from my sisters house and she has been kind enough to share her car with me) it's the getting home part that is going to be difficult as I don't think she will let me use her car to drive 1500 miles back home.
The other aspect that still upsets me is that the driver of the other vehicle was "distracted" by dropping something, I assume it was his phone. But I was able to use this as an example for my daughter of why paying attention the entire time you are behind the wheel is important. Now I just need to figure out where my car was towed to and everything should flow smoothly. Thank god I had USAA insurance as I have heard horror stories of people with other insurers that have been stuck fighting them for months or even years.

Unless you have your insurance check in hand, don't count your chickens yet. If this is clearly the other person's fault, it's their insurance you need to worry about not yours. I'm glad you weren't in the Wrangler as those are prone to tipping over. That could have been more of an adventure.

 

[Electro-Clarifier]

Thankfully you and your daughter are ok.

Given the value of a gen1 Volt that car is definitely totaled. I would never want a salvage car on which the wheel had been ripped off because it will almost certainly never again be in proper alignment.

2017 Volts are now showing up on the used market so this could be an opportunity to upgrade to an even better Volt.

 

[TSquare]

The at fault driver's insurance should provide your transportation while you are away from home and provide you with a way to get home.

 

[JoeMap]

Adding my voice to the "Glad you and your daughter are ok!" chorus. That is the most important thing.

My standard advice in your situation: If you haven't already, pull and print the blue book values for your Volt from NADA, KBB, and Black Book (if you have it available). Knowledge is power and you don't want to have a discussion with the other insurance company's adjuster without the current numbers. The police report should clearly show if the other driver crossed into your lane, which will help the insurance company(ies) figure out who is paying for this.

That picture is worth more than a thousand words. It clearly shows that in addition to the obvious damage, the tow company didn't help matters, and it is only a matter of time until you get the call to total it.

Agree that if the other driver is at fault, his company should provide your transportation home (via rental or air fare). They could even be on the hook for lodging since your trip itinerary has been altered, but no idea how hard they would fight you on it.

Regarding the distracted driver, the police can and should contact the cell carrier to verify if the phone was in use (call or text).

My $.03 today

Joe