Mistman

Pray it's totaled if you think there's any chance the drivetrain was damaged. My appraised cost to fix is just under $10k however there is absolutely NO drivetrain damage, I knew that when I wrecked it and asked the adjuster to work w/me to NOT total it, in my opinion that's the worse case scenario in every way, to be totaled. Even if they do get you another car it's not going to be a new car, if you keep it, it'll be branded, if they pay you off you probably won't get enough to get a comparable car.

Not sure about the rest of you guys but I've had a couple cars totaled before and no matter what, whether it's your fault or god's, your the one getting the shaft in the end. Dealing with insurance companies is one of my least favorite things to do on earth, even your company doesn't care about you more than saving some $$ and will generally do whatever they can to not have to pay out any more than they can get away with.

As long as the drivetrain is 100% fine, everything else can be fixed, you just need to stay on it to make sure it's done right. Also, if it's just body you can throw some extra $$ at it and upgrade to some 'cooler' parts (that's what I did)

JackS

If it's just body panels the car can easily be put back to normal.
The problem for me would be owning a car that had multiple panels and fenders without original VIN numbers.
This would probably be noted with any trade-in or any astute prospective buyer during a private sale.
Too many of these types of repairs almost guarantee a nice car at a reduced price for the following owner and less for the original owner.

plokivos

this is true. that's the first thing I look at, vin numbers on the panels, because these things don't show up on carfax.

Ed_Grant

Here is your chance to get it repainted ANY COLOR YOU WANT. Think of the possibilities. Hope everything works out Keith.

Mistman

Unless the engine is pulled I wouldn't repaint ANY color, if you do, do it right.

Triple-H

Wow, I'm really sorry to hear your story,, and I hope it works out is such a way you don't feel like you have been screwed. I have to agree BTW withthe people who are telling you to get a lawyer.

FWIW- nowhere near as horrible as your story, but I have to say, at least the garage was upfront enough to tell you. I had a tire dealer drive my Titan into a concrete wall when I had new tires put on, and they were actually trying to figure out a way how they could not tell me, like I would not notice the side of my bed caved in... Idiots!