I was driving my 2013 4Runner when I was hit by another vehicle Saturday morning. The at-fault driver has filed a claim with her insurance carrier and I am a claimant. Her insurance carrier is sending an adjuster to inspect my vehicle today or tomorrow. My 4Runner was towed to my home and has significant front end damage.

I am reviewing old posts about advice on the vehicle damage claim process.
I haven't been in an auto accident in over 25 years so I would really appreciate any advice on helping me navigate this process.

No idea if the vehicle will be considered a total loss. Cannot upload pics right now for some reason.

Thank you!

Never take the first offer, the insurance company is looking to screw you hard. Get comps from NADA Kelley Blue book and used car ads in your area to help you fight and negotiate the value cuz they'll probably total it. Or if it gets fixed, fight for a shop of your choice to do the work

did you file a police report? probably need to do that given the damage is significant

did you contact your insurance company? probably should do that - they can help you out in getting the best value for your vehicle

start looking up some new vehicles, given the age, it's probably decent mileage and will be totaled. I wouldn't want to fix up my 2012 that has almost 160k miles if it had significant front end damage. could find another used vehicle faster and with less headache than getting it repaired

Pics of wreck.

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TO OP:
I am sorry it happened to you, and I am assuming you did not get hurt which is obviously the most important thing!
Based on pictures, the age of your vehicle and with current inflated prices for parts and labor, I would think insurance will total it, especially if airbag (s) went off.
As others have said: do not take the first offer, get comps from KBB and local car ads, and prepare to work (fight) with them, get your insurance involved especially if other insurance company will proof to be difficult to work with.

If each state has different thresholds for what % of the vehicle’s value the repair must exceed to declare a total loss, what determines which state’s limits apply?

- Registering state of the at-fault drivers’s vehicle?
- Registering state of the not-at-fault driver’s vehicle?
- Licensing state of the at-fault driver?
- Licensing state of the not-at-fault driver?
- State in which the crash occurred?


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Don't let them inspect your vehicle at your house. Have it taken to a body shop you trust and have them speak to the adjuster. The insurance company will lowball the repair. A body shop needs to get in there and take things apart and find out the extent of the damage. Call them and reschedule the appointment and then have it towed to a body shop of your choice.


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Man that sucks. Good luck, hope you get the best you can out of insurance.

Hard to tell who hit who from these pics. The other car has primary damage on the side.

If the runner is a daily driver make sure you get rentals fully covered by the other insurance company as well. And yes, do not take the first, and even the second offer.

You weren't in the market for a new or new-to-you car. Also, while you might be okay. Get medical care as well, even if you don't think there's something wrong. Whiplash can reveal itself after the accident. It took me a few days before I started hurting.

regarding rentals...dont let them try and say you have "x" limit per day or some BS like that. The other drivers insurance company has that "agreement" with their insured...not YOU. you have no agreement or "rental limits" with them. Basically they need to provide you a comparable vehicle until yours is fixed or you received a check in the mail.

too much hustle. do not fix it. trade it as is to dealership as deposit for another 4runner.

Given the damage, that it's a 10 y/o truck, and the used market sliding downward, I'm quite certain the truck will be totaled.

Do a review of current 2013-2014 4Runner asking prices, NADA, etc. Don't take the first offer, but be prepared to fight a bit and accept that fact that you're not going to come out ahead on this. Driving is a risk, accidents happen, and dealing with accidents is a royal pain in the butt.

4R looks like it maybe done for.
I assume it was the other persons fault? Not clear on this.

Either way, check out Carmax, Carvanna, Autotrader etc for a similar year (give or take one) with similar mileage and similar condition (subjective).

When they may you an offer - tell them to buy you the vehicles you have found that are similar. Send them links. Unless they offer you more :-)

And go from there.

Good luck - keep us posted.

Great and helpful advice from everyone - very much appreciated.
The at-fault driver's insurance company has concluded their insured is liable and they will make their initial inspection of my vehicle tomorrow. Depending on their conclusion as to repair vs total loss, I will make my next decision. If repair, I will take the vehicle to a repair shop of my choice and get a quote for repairs. If total loss, I will take the number into consideration and contemplate my next move. If at any point I want to claim damages through Geico, my carrier, I can stop and pivot.
I thought it made most sense to pursue the claim through the at-fault driver's carrier at least initially. I understand claim can't be pursued simultaneously through both insurance companies but I was waiting for a reason to involve my carrier. It was reported to my insurance of course.