Not just Tesla - Why Cars are so Easily Totaled

Links from today's show:
It Is Basically Impossible to Total a McLaren F1. Car wrecks are an unfortunately common thing here in the U.S., and we can’t seem to figure out how to stop them. As long as people are safe and the car is insured, life moves on. However, what about the well-heeled among us who total limited supercars that can’t be replaced, and the damages are immense?

Why Tesla cars are so easily totaled
Tesla's cars are tremendously complex, with a multitude of sensors and custom body parts. That makes them extra difficult to repair in the event of a crash. Insurers are increasingly declaring Tesla cars totaled in an accident instead of paying for a fix.

How in the heck is this car totaled??? I am getting scammed

Why Are Auto Body Repairs So Expensive?

Join us in Tennessee for the Chattanooga Charge March 29th & 30th

#Tesla #TSLA #EVs

[r.a.monigold]

From reading the comments people are so entrenched in their own beliefs that reality no longer exists. I can only assume they clicked and commented or clicked, mapped and then commented. Thanks for your excellent reporting, Brian.

[garydmercer]

The wrecked cars are being shipped to foreign countries making finding used parts more expensive and hard to find.

[JeffreyFate]

Had a fender bender in my M3. Totalled. Surprised I didn't see it on Copart.

[ziploc]

People misunderstand what totaled means. It doesn't mean the vehicle can't be repaired and safe to drive, it just means that can't be done for less than the remaining value of the depreciating asset.
Our 2010 Honda Odyssey was nearly totaled last year after it was damaged while parked. The driver's door, mirror and front wing were damaged. We were able to get it done for around $10, 000, if it had been over $12, 000 the insurance company would have totaled it.

[Hotspur]

any damage to the frame of any car is usually grounds for a right off. I have also heard if the airbags deploy the car will also be written off. Individual parts being purchased are way more expensive than the cost of the entire car.

[davidhuber]

One man's regulation is another man's protection.
Also, so many air bags. I can't count how many airbags are on most cars nowadays, and airbags are ridiculously expensive.

[MrkBO]

ev's are disposable. insurers cant take the chance the battery was damaged during an accident. less risk and expense to write the car off and recover the loss through premiums

[Dularr]

Legacy licenses out the design of repair parts to third party. Last i heard all Tesla repair parts come from Tesla.

[douggolde]

It’s the airbags. They contain special air that can’t be put back in.

[batchint]

like elon did not do actually it was meant to be the demo…. 🎉

#butyouhavetogoinshore