2013 Hyundai Sonata.
125k miles

Unfortunately she was part of a theft ring last night at her apartment complex. The thieves stole 2 other Hyundais out of her parking lot using what I assume (and police confirmed) was the stupid tiktok theft scheme. Thankfully, I had the dealer do a recall fix of the software on the car before she left for college to at least prevent the ability for the thieves to steal it using that easy method.

Problem was, when they got to her car and realized they couldn't steal it, they damaged it quite a bit. I think they keyed the car on the exterior all around, but biggest damage appears to be the ignition area and the back rear window was busted out. The adjuster told my daughter over the phone that it looks like they may have cut a bunch of wires so it's possible she might not get the car back at all as the cost of repair would be greater than it's worth. I had to explain to my daughter what "totaled" means, and she's devastated that she might lose her car.

I'm clueless on how much the repair could cost for this, but is it likely to be totaled? No idea of car value but thinking maybe 5 to 7k range?

They'll cut you a check for somewhere between 5 and 6 minus your deductible. Maybe a little less, but I'd work on them to get at least 5 on the top line absent any significant damage prior to the break in.

let them total it, you retain the salvage, get a check for the damages less salvage value and fix it yourself.

Do not take it to a Hyundai dealer, any mechanic can get you a new ignition, locksmith can cut a key and program it.

OR get her a non hyundai with the money plus a little more, I suggest a corolla.

Ok, I didn't even know that would be an option. So forgive my ignorance here, but if I could take the check from the insurance company that is the value minus the salvage value (and minus the insurance deductible) and then go get the car fixed on my own, would it mean the cost of repair is going to be greater than the check they will cut me? Or is it just that insurance probably won't want to deal with the repair and I could get it fixed cheaper myself at an independent shop?

I think my daughter would much prefer us getting the car fixed, but won't have money to pay for repairs that cost too much over the amount of the check she receives from insurance if they total it out.

Wait for the quote to see if any electrical items were damaged. If it's just the ignition, steering column stuff that's relatively cheap/easy, but if in process of theft they damaged numerous electrical items/wires that's where it gets tricky and expensive. That's what I would be weary of if retained vehicle. If go cheap route could run into headache after headache down the road with electrical problems.

FDXAg said:

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Ok, I didn't even know that would be an option. So forgive my ignorance here, but if I could take the check from the insurance company that is the value minus the salvage value (and minus the insurance deductible) and then go get the car fixed on my own, would it mean the cost of repair is going to be greater than the check they will cut me? Or is it just that insurance probably won't want to deal with the repair and I could get it fixed cheaper myself at an independent shop?

I think my daughter would much prefer us getting the car fixed, but won't have money to pay for repairs that cost too much over the amount of the check she receives from insurance if they total it out.

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Got into an accident on my 2nd day of HS (dad was driving). It was the car that he wanted to let me drive and the one my sister was driving at the time (when she drove). Got hit by neighbor (who we didn't know at the time) and car was totaled.

Dad took the car and the check from insurance and got it fixed on our own. Essentially was the check amount (friend of a friend) and got the car back. I think my dad had to throw some money beyond the check, for a few minor things that needed to get fixed beyond accident. Dad bought new car for himself and this became the 3rd car for the family. Barring the bent driver seat, all was fixed and I drove it for 9 more years.

~egon

How does a salvage title work going forward? Is it difficult to get insurance?

spider96 said:

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How does a salvage title work going forward? Is it difficult to get insurance?

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There's little reason to have comprehensive on a 10 year old Hyundai.

FDXAg said:

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Ok, I didn't even know that would be an option. So forgive my ignorance here, but if I could take the check from the insurance company that is the value minus the salvage value (and minus the insurance deductible) and then go get the car fixed on my own, would it mean the cost of repair is going to be greater than the check they will cut me? Or is it just that insurance probably won't want to deal with the repair and I could get it fixed cheaper myself at an independent shop?

I think my daughter would much prefer us getting the car fixed, but won't have money to pay for repairs that cost too much over the amount of the check she receives from insurance if they total it out.

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make sure they include the cost of fixing the paint, I would not fix that.

The repairs will be less than the check

The car will show as a total loss on carfax but will not have a salvaged title.

Well, theft lol

Turns out my call to have comprehensive on a 18 year old 1500 was the right move

Ok I appreciate the help.

I'm assuming if I go this route, I will have to insure it outside of my current auto insurance? My daughter is under my current policy obviously to help her get a discount from finding insurance on her own at the age of 19.

Martin Q. Blank said:

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spider96 said:

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How does a salvage title work going forward? Is it difficult to get insurance?

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There's little reason to have comprehensive on a 10 year old Hyundai.

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In this case, even though deductible is $1000 I'm glad I had comprehensive. Otherwise we would be out a lot more money. I'm a little concerned about having a Hyundai/Kia right now that fall under that tiktok challenge theft. They are obviously targets and I would hate this to happen again. Frustrating....

FDXAg said:

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Ok I appreciate the help.

I'm assuming if I go this route, I will have to insure it outside of my current auto insurance? My daughter is under my current policy obviously to help her get a discount from finding insurance on her own at the age of 19.

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Not sure what your carriers rule is, you will need new insurance anyway because rates are going up and this claim won't help that .

Gotcha. My policy runs through next March and I use Liere insurance so I have them re-shop the policy every renewal period.

Just wanted to make sure keeping the car as a salvage title wouldn't impact my ability to keep her on our insurance moving forward. I've been told she would pay over twice as much getting insurance on her own at her age.

My father never had an issue with our cars. State farm, 4 drivers, 3 cars. With me at the time, being 16 to 20 something.

I did check one time and for me to come off their policy, my rate was double. Driving the same car.

~egon

spider96 said:

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How does a salvage title work going forward? Is it difficult to get insurance?

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My daughter drove an old E46 BMW with a salvage title and we had no issues getting insurance.