Help Needed: Liberty Mutual Wants to Total My Tesla!
Hi everyone! I could really use some advice regarding my car insurance situation with Liberty Mutual. I was recently involved in a hydroplane accident with my 2022 Tesla Model 3 Long Range (FSD + Acceleration Boost). Thankfully, the car is still fully operational—there are no battery warnings or power issues. However, Liberty Mutual is claiming it’s a total loss due to supposed battery damage, based solely on photos. The catch? The repair shop never took any battery pictures!
Here’s a breakdown of the situation:
- After the accident, I drove the car to a repair shop myself, so if there was any real battery damage, it wouldn’t have been functional.
- The shop inspected my vehicle and found no evidence of battery damage.
- Liberty Mutual requested photos, and without inspecting the car in person, they’ve declared the battery damaged, claiming repairs would exceed the vehicle’s value.
- Their reasoning hinges on the fact that the shop isn’t Tesla-certified, which feels like an excuse to me.
- The shop estimates the repair costs at around $15,000, and after checking the market value of my car, even with 134k miles, it still holds value that doesn’t justify totaling it.
- They didn’t even send an adjuster to examine the car; it’s all based on photos.
What I’ve Done So Far:
- Contacted the Department of Insurance, who advised me to file a formal complaint against Liberty Mutual.
- Had a conversation with the shop; they suggested I leave my personal items in the car, which would allow me to retrieve them when CoPart (the auction warehouse) takes the car, and also to request a re-evaluation in person.
- Read about someone who successfully challenged a similar total loss claim, so I know it can be done. I just need a solid strategy.
My Questions:
- Has anyone successfully fought against a total loss claim like this? What steps did you take?
- Should I seek an independent evaluation from a Tesla-certified shop? If so, how can I get Liberty Mutual to consider it?
- Are there any legal options I should explore if they refuse to cooperate?
I really don’t want to lose my car over what seems like an unfair assessment. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!
Edit: Out of the 100 images provided to the insurance company, only one photo shows a tiny glimpse of the battery (on the left side of the car) with no visible damage from the crash. See Photo Here
I’m really sorry to hear about your situation; it sounds incredibly frustrating. Here’s some advice based on your questions:
Yes, there are cases where people have successfully fought total loss claims, especially when they can present solid evidence that contradicts the insurance company’s assessment. Key strategies include gathering detailed documentation, obtaining a second opinion from a reputable source, and appealing the insurance company’s decision through the proper channels.
Should I get an independent evaluation from a Tesla-certified shop? How do I get Liberty Mutual to acknowledge it?
Yes, getting an independent evaluation from a Tesla-certified shop is a good idea. Make sure to communicate clearly with Liberty Mutual that you are obtaining this evaluation and provide a timeframe for when they’ll receive it. Document all your communications. Once you have the appraisal, present it along with any evidence you have (e.g., the shop’s original inspection report) to challenge their claim.
Any legal avenues worth pursuing if they refuse to back down?
Overall, persistence is key. Keep detailed records of all communications, estimates, and inspections. Don’t hesitate to escalate the matter and consider involving legal counsel if necessary. Best of luck—hopefully, you can get this resolved soon!