Tesla vehicles are modern technological marvels that have changed the EV game forever. However, that doesn’t mean these vehicles are impervious to the risks of driving. On the contrary, Teslas can be totaled in accidents due to twchnology that makes them more difficult to repair. If you’re involved in an accident in South Jersey, you may wonder whether your Tesla can be repaired or if it’s considered totaled. Understanding the factors that determine whether a Tesla is totaled can help you navigate the aftermath of an accident and decide on the best course of action.
Key Takeaways
- A Tesla is considered totaled when the cost of repairs exceeds 70-80% of the vehicle’s actual cash value (ACV), making it economically unfeasible to fix.
- Significant battery damage or damage to the electric drivetrain can lead to high repair costs, pushing the vehicle over the threshold for being totaled.
- Structural damage to the Tesla’s aluminum and steel frame, which is more expensive to repair, can also contribute to a total loss determination.
- Advanced technology and sensor systems, like Autopilot, require costly recalibration or replacement if damaged, further increasing repair costs.
- Choosing a Tesla-approved body shop, like Elmer’s Auto Body in South Jersey, ensures expert repairs using certified technicians and genuine Tesla parts, preserving the vehicle’s performance and warranty.
What Does It Mean When a Vehicle is Totaled?
A vehicle is considered “totaled” when the cost of repairs exceeds a certain percentage of its actual cash value (ACV). Typically, insurance companies use a threshold of 70-80% of the vehicle’s value to determine whether it’s worth repairing. If the repair costs are too high, the insurance company may declare the car a total loss, meaning it’s not economically feasible to fix it.
Factors That Determine if a Tesla is Totaled
Now that you know what the “totaled” status means, let’s take a look at some of the things that could lead to your Tesla being totaled after an accident.
1. Extensive Battery Damage
The battery is everything to a Tesla, much like an engine is to a car running on internal combustion. Without the battery, your Tesla won’t run. In other words, significant damage to the battery can not only drive up repairs but make those repairs impossible—when compounded with other damages.
2. Damage to the Electric Drivetrain
Teslas contain an electric drivetrain. It is a highly complex system that, when affected by an accident, can be extremely costly to repair. For example, if the drivetrain, including electric motors and inverters, is significantly affected during the collision, the repair costs could easily push the total over the threshold, leading to a total loss declaration.
3. Structural Damage
Tesla vehicles are built with a unique combination of aluminum and steel for improved efficiency and strength. However, aluminum is more difficult and expensive to repair than traditional steel. In cases where the frame or body sustains severe damage, the repair process becomes more intricate, often requiring specialized tools and techniques. Major structural issues, such as a compromised frame, can contribute to a higher likelihood of the vehicle being totaled.
4. Technology and Sensor Issues
One of the standout features of Tesla vehicles is their advanced technology, including Autopilot and a suite of sensors that support various safety features. A collision can damage or misalign these sensors, which require precise recalibration to function correctly. Replacing or repairing these systems can be costly, especially if multiple sensors or cameras are damaged in the collision. The complexity of repairing Tesla’s advanced technology can sometimes push repair costs above the threshold for totaling the vehicle.
5. Body Panel Repair Cost
As mentioned previously, Teslas contain aluminum, which is harder to repair when compared to traditional steel. Aluminum repairs cost significantly more than steel, and if the damage affects multiple body panels, it may be more cost-effective for the insurance company to declare your vehicle totaled.
How to Determine if Your Tesla is Totaled
Visually, your Tesla might look like it is on its last wheel after an accident, but that doesn’t always mean you have a totaled vehicle. That is up to the insurance adjuster to decide.
After a collision, an insurance adjuster will assess the damage to your Tesla and estimate the cost of repairs. If the repair costs exceed the percentage threshold of your vehicle’s ACV, the adjuster may declare it totaled. Keep in mind that the actual cash value of a Tesla can vary based on factors like age, mileage, and market demand. If you believe your Tesla has been undervalued, you may have options to dispute the total loss designation with your insurance company.
Why You Should Choose a Tesla-Approved Body Shop for Repairs
If your Tesla isn’t declared totaled, it’s crucial to bring it to a Tesla-approved body shop, like Elmer’s Auto Body in South Jersey, for repairs. Tesla-approved shops have certified technicians, access to genuine Tesla parts, and the advanced tools required to ensure your vehicle is repaired according to Tesla’s standards. This guarantees that your Tesla’s performance, safety features, and warranty are preserved after a collision.
Looking for a Tesla-Approved Collision Repair Shop?
Determining whether a Tesla is considered totaled after a collision depends on several factors, including the extent of damage to the battery, drivetrain, body, and advanced technology systems. If the repair costs exceed a significant portion of the car’s value, your Tesla may be declared a total loss. In any case, choosing a Tesla-approved body shop ensures that your vehicle receives the expert care it needs, whether it’s being repaired or assessed for a total loss. Contact Elmer’s Auto Body in South Jersey today (we have locations in Mt. Ephraim, Medford, and Sewell!) to schedule a repair estimate and get the professional guidance you need after a collision.