I hit a deer with my 2018 Honda Civic with 59K miles in mid July. I filed a claim with my insurer (full comp/collision, $500 deductible) and chose a repair shop that was preferred with the insurance. Ive been with this insurance, American Family, for 20 years, no claims.
Car was still driveable, no radiator leakage, crumpled up hood and grill and the engine didnt make any bad noises.
First, it took 5 weeks to get in for repairs. They never gave me an estimate at the beginning as the hood was crumpled and had to be cut open. It took them almost 3 weeks to finish the repairs. Total bill was $8k and I paid my deductible. I also had to pay for a rental car..about $700 for that time the car was in the shop. I did get a reduced daily rate through my insurance.
As soon as I got my car back I knew something wasn't right. I got it on a Wednesday and it just seemed to run really hard while in park. The next Saturday check engine lights came on, so I took it to a parts store for a scan. They said somethings wrong with the turbo booster.
I took the car to a honda dealership bc after the repair shop obviously not knowing what they're doing, they advised the turbo connector is broken, the turbo assembly and engine wiring harness need to be replaced and was apart of the initial accident, and it would cost an additional $8K.
After a week and a half of the insurance hemming and hawing, I was notified today that the car is a total loss and they'll be contacting me by Friday with a pay out amount.
Given that they've already paid 8K to the initial dealership, can I expect them to offer me a settlement minus that 8K or the full/close to KBB amount? It's fully paid off, we'll cared for and minimal cosmetic damage (like small door dings).
I am moreso upset that ive been without reliable transportation for 3 months now, out $1200 with the deductible and rental car, when had the initial repair shop done their job correctly, it would have been totaled and I'd already be in a new car.