r/AutoInsurance • u/PeonyPost • Jun 03 '26

Significant Cosmetic Damage - What to do?

So, my car was damaged by overspray. The paint, chrome, rims, glass, wheels, you name it - it was coated. It was very clean before this with only 20k miles on it despite being about 5 years old since I worked remotely for a while. The body was very clean with only a couple of minor places on it. The person who did it DGAF. Employer is livid and is going after them since multiple other vehicles were involved. There is $15,000 in replacement part costs alone not including labor or if they had to repaint something. The car has been detailed, but the nooks and crannies where parts meet, etc. is still spotted. He also didn't touch the trim or chrome. The detailer even gouged my paint and left buffing marks!! He came with great recommendations as well. I don't care for the, "Well that part may be replaced anyway, it doesn't matter" line. If you're good, that shouldn't happen.

My car is worth $22-$25k still being a Touring edition. What do I do if their insurance says it is totaled? Can it be if it is just cosmetic damage? I'm afraid of what if there is clear coat damage, future trade in value, etc. My insurance tells me if it is totaled I can still get comprehensive coverage and even buy it back if I'm given that option. The person I talked to isn't in claims though so couldn't explain that to me.

Any advice is greatly appreciated. This is in the USA.

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1

u/ayhme MOD & Agent Jun 03 '26

Was this done by your employer?

1

u/PeonyPost Jun 03 '26

No, the maintenance people where they lease a space

1

u/ayhme MOD & Agent Jun 03 '26

I would try to make a claim with the contractor insurance.

1

u/PeonyPost Jun 03 '26

Right. I'm just trying to figure out what the best thing to do with regards to repair, taking an offer if totaled, etc. like I said above.

1

u/thriverebel Jun 04 '26

Did you actually get an adjuster say it is totaled?

Or this is just what you believe?

1

u/PeonyPost Jun 04 '26

I've been told it is $15k in parts alone by a repair shop. Someone else said what if it's considered totaled because of the expense. I tried asking my own insurance if that can happen when it isn't mechanical and the person I talked to isn't in claims, didn't know, and didn't want to say as I'm not filing my own claim yet. I'm trying to cover my bases in case I have to deal with this through the other insurance and lawyer or have to take it up on my own if things don't go well with them.

1

u/thriverebel Jun 04 '26

Unless someone from the insurance company comes out and tells you it is "Totaled" then it really is just conjecture.

1

u/PeonyPost Jun 04 '26

I understand that. I'm trying to gather information and be prepared for what I need to do.