2014 a6 3.0 Car accident advice

[Divot1012]

Hello, I am new to the forum as I just purchased the car 2 months ago :/ Quick story about the accident. I was traveling on the interstate when traffic came to a kind of sudden stop due to a tractor trailer broken down ahead. Myself and 3 other cars in front of me were able to come to a complete stop with no problems. About 5 seconds later I get slammed by an SUV going around 30-40 mph. Right now the adjuster and body shop are at 14,700$ of damage. Almost the entire back half of car suffered damage including the right rear suspension. My question is what advice or possible problems should I be looking for during repairs and after all repairs are complete.

One main concern I have is how can I be 100% certain the frame suffered no damage.

Posting pics below for any help/advice you all could give me. Thanks

*edit* Car is non s-line but has the sport package with sport suspension. Also I noticed some controls were not working on the steering wheel after the accident. Example-volume control for radio.




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[13_C7_SC]

From a previous experience of mine, when I got rear ended, they gave me an estimate of how much it was going to cost to repair and the amount of time it would take. However when the insurance adjuster reviewed it in the shop, they noticed that the frame was bent from the impact, and ended up totalling the car. So I am assuming if your frame is bent, that they will total your car.

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[AY6NYC]

wow sorry to hear that. why didn't you send it to audi or the body shops audi gives work to? it would give peace of mind. but as far as the buttons not working, may be wire harness related?

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[Merlin_AZ]

Wow. That's sad. Hopefully you have an acceptable outcome, whether repaired or replaced.

[Divot1012]

Thanks for quick responses. The body shop is with the Audi dealership although they work on ford and Toyota as well. The body shop manager said they brought in 2 Audi techs during the inspection. I guess that should be piece of mind enough regarding the frame. I just didn't know if I should be requesting a particular report or something stating frame was not damaged.


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[Xtek]

That looks like a lot more than $14k damage. I'm guessing closer to $20k when you factor in labor.

Outside or hiring an independent adjuster I don't think there's anything else you can do to make sure there is no frame damage. Once they start taking the car apart they will know more and may wind up totaling it.

Hope you and your passengers are well.

[SilveR316]

A friend of mine has his S4 totalled for a rear end impact that had much less damage than this. The bumper and trunk were bent on his car, but the rear quarter panels were not bent at all, and the suspension was pretty much fine. They were at $24k in damage before the insurance company wrote it off, and they weren't even done looking at all the damage.

[Divot1012]

Thanks for the concern, I am doing ok but dealing with some medical issues from the wreck. I was surprised at such a low number as well. It seems like my only option would be to hire an independent adjuster myself and see what they come up with. I'll update when I know more.


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[JoeGie]

let them tear the car apart, guaranteed the number will go up after that, you could always take it to another shop for an estimate, but the real number won't be known until they start tearing it down. have a speedy recovery!

[dethmetaljeff]

let them tear the car apart, guaranteed the number will go up after that, you could always take it to another shop for an estimate, but the real number won't be known until they start tearing it down. have a speedy recovery!

What he said. When I wrecked my S4 the first inspection got me an estimate of 12k. Once the body shop started tearing it down the number kept going up. 4 adjustments later it wound up being ~$25k.

[vtince]

Rear end collisions usually have hidden components that are found after they start to tear things down, my b6 a4 got rear ended, and frame was bent so they totalled it. Best option is that if you have a independent shop you go to, see if they will buy your "totalled" car. If so buy it back from the insurance company and sell it to them for a bit more.


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[Divot1012]

11 days since the accident and the body shop still can't get a response from appraiser..... Looks like this will be a long process. I'll update when I can if its totaled or repair work begins.


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[14S4GWM]

If they do repair it make sure you file a diminished value claim. This really sucks, glad you're ok though.

[Divot1012]

I've been reading up on the best way to file a diminished value claim - looks like I need to get current estimated value off kbb or something similar and then I'm going to have the audi shop state it's worth after repaired and fax over to insurance - any other tips or experience with this?


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[budda]

11 days since the accident and the body shop still can't get a response from appraiser..... Looks like this will be a long process. I'll update when I can if its totaled or repair work begins.


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Being in teh bodyshop industry I can tell you the only true way to check the frame is using a computerized measuring system like this one:

http://www.chiefautomotive.com/uploa...ure%202014.pdf

I'd make sure that the bodyshop is a Audi USA certified repair center. This means they are required to take training and buy Audi specified repair equipment. Just because the local dealer uses that specific shop dosen't mean there certified.

[S2020]

silver lining? a chance to upgrade to an S6?
I just got the A6 a few months ago - thinking this will be a boring commuter. Love it. Most definitely regretting not getting an S6.

[agent47]

I've been reading up on the best way to file a diminished value claim - looks like I need to get current estimated value off kbb or something similar and then I'm going to have the audi shop state it's worth after repaired and fax over to insurance - any other tips or experience with this?


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I have been through the diminished value claim process. Its a royal PITA. Insurance companies will never go by KBB or even contact dealerships to check the value of a car with similar options and miles like yours that was not involved in a MVA. I had hired an appraiser who checked the pre/post condition of the car. They got prices of similar cars from nearby dealerships and submitted the claim. My repairs were close to 7k but the insurance company came back with a $500 dv figure. Multiple calls, arguments, talks with supervisors, nothing came to fruit. The best they came up with - $1000. We resorted to the last option- an independant appraiser hired as a judge. He prepares his report looking at the repairs performed and how they affected the value. And gets figures from local dealers. His decision is final and cannot be appealed. He came up with $5200 as the dv.

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[CASoxFan]

I went through a DV case when someone hit my wife's 2010 X5. I actually hired an attorney in CT who specialized in these claims. He handled everything, and in the end, we sued for a claim of around $9500, based on the inspectors report, etc. Long story short, we settled for $7500, of which the attorney took a standard 1/3, so I ended up with just short of $5000 (after court costs, etc.). He gave me the option to take the settlement or push for the full amount, realizing that would mean likely going to court and a long process. I figured the wait wasn't worth the extra $2,000 or the chance of getting less (especially because I was closing on a house and the extra cash was helpful). Best part was that when we traded it in for her 2014 X5, we actually saw no value drop from a vehicle that hadn't been damaged.

If you would like, I can give you the name of the attorney I used. Obviously you are in a different state and he is likely not able to practice there, but he may have some advice or know of someone who does practice in your area.

[Divot1012]

Ok guys just got the call from the body shop. Currently the damage is at 17k :/ one positive is the manager said they are ordering new OEM audi parts.

Thanks for the detailed responses on the Diminished value claim. I guess I'll start making some calls around my area and see what I can find. This entire thing has been a nightmare.....

@CASoxfan could you PM your lawyers name to me please!

@agent47 how did you find the appraiser you used? I like the idea of a final decision $ figure.


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[14S4GWM]

It wasn't your fault so no matter what you should get oem.

[Divot1012]

Ok update time. It's been around 9 weeks but I finally have my car back. I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy. This entire situation has been extremely stressful and it isn't completely over..... On the bright side I think they did a great job with the car. Final bill was a few hundred dollars under 20k I've hired an independent appraisal company and should have a diminished value figure soon. I will update one last time once everything is settled for anyone interested.

One side note, the body shop butchered the polish job. My car is COVERED in swirl marks. I believe it will need paint correction but I'm trying some things myself. Can't tell in pics but right in the sun it makes me cringe.


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[scott99c2]

Most body shops are really bad at paint correction. Nature of the beast unfortunately:(

Glad you got a resolution!

[Laserrs]

Two things. Your trunk is sitting too high. The tail lights on the trunk and the quarter panel should line up at the top. Check some photos. Not trying to bash, just want you to get your car right. Can't add a photo but looking at mine now.

Second, what is the benefit of a diminished value claim?

[agent47]

Two things. Your trunk is sitting too high. The tail lights on the trunk and the quarter panel should line up at the top. Check some photos. Not trying to bash, just want you to get your car right. Can't add a photo but looking at mine now.

Second, what is the benefit of a diminished value claim?

Good observation . I was about to state the same.
Diminished value claim- since the car has been hit and repaired, the resale value will definitely be less compared to a car that was never involved in an accident. DV claim pays the difference to the not-at fault car owner.

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[Divot1012]

Good eye on the trunk guys. I brought it up with the body shop the day I picked it up. They said because of the rubber seals and everything being brand new it will sit like that until it's "broken in" Now I'm not sure how much I believe that but they said to bring it back if I am unhappy with anything. It is a certified Audi repair shop and I have a lifetime warranty on all repairs completed, as well as the paint.

As far as the DV goes agent47 explained it perfectly. The appraisal company will come up with the value of the car before the accident, look at all repairs completed as well as quality of repairs, and then determine the value of the car as it sits today. The difference in value becomes the "Diminished Value" and I will submit that to the at fault insurance company hoping to get a check for the amount determined by the appraisal.

Something I didn't know until I really researched DV is that is varies from state to state on the laws and ability to claim it. The company I hired works throughout the US and seemed to be very knowledgeable on each state laws.


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[Laserrs]

Thanks for the info on DV.

As for the trunk, apply pressure downward and see if it goes. If it doesn't it's never going to. Good luck and otherwise
Looks great.

[RRF985]

Glad you have the car back. I don't buy the story of the trunk not sitting properly due to being new. When the car was new it lined up so I think they should fix that. Also, you're missing the Quattro badge under the 3.0T. Not sure how much you care about that though.

[Divot1012]

I can put pressure on the trunk and it does go down but if it's still not sitting correctly on its own in the next few weeks I'll take it back for sure.

I completely overlooked the Quattro emblem thank you RRF985


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[agent47]

Good eye on the trunk guys. I brought it up with the body shop the day I picked it up. They said because of the rubber seals and everything being brand new it will sit like that until it's "broken in" Now I'm not sure how much I believe that but they said to bring it back if I am unhappy with anything. It is a certified Audi repair shop and I have a lifetime warranty on all repairs completed, as well as the paint.

As far as the DV goes agent47 explained it perfectly. The appraisal company will come up with the value of the car before the accident, look at all repairs completed as well as quality of repairs, and then determine the value of the car as it sits today. The difference in value becomes the "Diminished Value" and I will submit that to the at fault insurance company hoping to get a check for the amount determined by the appraisal.

Something I didn't know until I really researched DV is that is varies from state to state on the laws and ability to claim it. The company I hired works throughout the US and seemed to be very knowledgeable on each state laws.


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If you dont mind me asking- who did you hire for the DV claim?
Also, just to prepare you mentally, the insurance company will offer you a horribly low amount - a fraction of what your claim is for. You will have to keep fighting. My case went to the last step where we both hired an independent appraiser as the "judge"- my appraiser sent all the documents to him so did the insurance company's guy. He went through the repairs, pre and post price of the car , compared it to similar cars in the area. Then he gave us his decision- which was about 500 bucks less than my claim but a few thousand over the insurance company's offer.

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[Divot1012]

@agent47 https://www.autoappraise.com is the company.

I've been speaking with sales manager Rachel and I actually brought your post up with her yesterday. She said it does happen at times and it's labeled as the "Appraisal process" so they are prepared to represent me and help me through it however it goes.

Thanks again for all the continued information and help through this.


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