Hi folks…
I got into a car accident earlier today, but I’m okay now. I rear-ended a truck while merging onto the interstate. The truck was completely fine with no damage, but my car didn’t fare so well. I have a busted headlight, a damaged bumper, and I noticed coolant leaking.
I have collision insurance through Nationwide, and just a few hours after the accident, they declared my car a “total loss” because the airbags deployed. I was shocked because they hadn’t even inspected my car or provided an estimate for repairs. I thought the point of declaring a total loss was if the repair costs exceeded the car’s cash value.
I drive a 2023 Hyundai Kona AWD SEL with less than 15,000 miles on it, and it was in pristine condition before the crash. I even called a local Hyundai body shop that works with Nationwide, and they told me they replace airbags all the time, which makes me question why my car couldn’t be repaired.
Is it unfair that Nationwide considered my car a total loss without a proper inspection? I understand the airbags were deployed, but I feel like I deserve an inspection and a repair estimate before I hand over my title. 
Hey there,
I’m really sorry to hear about your accident and the total loss declaration.
It can be incredibly frustrating to deal with insurance companies, especially when it feels like they’re not being fair.
From what you’ve described, it sounds like your insurer has declared your car a total loss because the cost to repair it exceeds a certain percentage of its actual cash value (ACV).
This is a common practice, but it doesn’t always feel just, especially if you believe your car is worth more or could be repaired for less.
Here are a few steps you might consider:
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Get a Second Opinion: Sometimes, getting an independent appraisal can help. If you believe your car’s value has been underestimated, an independent appraiser might provide a more accurate valuation.
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Negotiate with Your Insurer: Don’t be afraid to push back. Provide evidence of your car’s value, such as recent repairs, upgrades, or comparable car listings in your area.
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Understand Your Policy: Make sure you fully understand your insurance policy and the terms regarding total loss. Sometimes, policies have specific clauses that can work in your favor.
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Consider Legal Advice: If you feel you’re being treated unfairly, consulting with a lawyer who specializes in insurance claims might be a good move. They can offer advice tailored to your situation and help you navigate the complexities of insurance law.
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Explore Other Options: If your car is declared a total loss, you might still have options like buying back the salvage title and repairing the car yourself, though this can come with its own set of challenges.
It’s definitely a tough situation, but don’t lose hope. Keep pushing for what you believe is fair, and don’t hesitate to seek out professional advice if you need it.
Wishing you the best of luck in resolving this!
A while back, I was in a similar situation where an insurance company quickly labeled my car a “total loss” after an accident. My initial shock was just like yours because I assumed the repair costs would determine that decision. In your case, it sounds like Nationwide made a hasty call based solely on the airbag deployment, which is frustrating since they haven’t inspected it or given a proper repair estimate. From what I’ve learned, airbags are costly to replace, and insurance companies sometimes prefer to write off a car if the cost of airbag replacement, coupled with other repairs, might get close to the car’s value. However, given that your Kona is nearly new and in excellent shape, it’s definitely worth pushing for a detailed inspection and estimate. You can even request a second opinion or escalate the issue within Nationwide to make sure you’re getting a fair assessment.