Suggestions for what to do with my 09 2nd gen 4x4 AC w/5spd MT - Totaled : (

Hopefully someone with the real knowledge will chime in on this.

My understanding is that by filing a claim with insurance(and the necessary provisions within your policy) they are obligated to either fix your vehicle damages and get it back on the road for you or in my instance with Oregon calculate if 80% (other states less or more or different YMMV) of the vehicle damages + the salvage value of the vehicle exceed the overall estimate for your vehicle prior to damages deem it as a total loss.

If you accept the payment they are offering for the full value of your vehicle prior to damages they take ownership of the vehicle and cash in on the salvage value to make back some of what they are paying out to you.

If you want to avoid the totaled branding on your title and forfeiture of your registration with the DMV as it is no longer considered road worthy you can withdraw the claim. However you would be liable for:
-if someone else was involved in the accident you would then be liable for what insurance was covering on that end
-any charges that occurred from your inspecting shop such as tear down, assessment and admin time to collect/organize/present their findings/paperwork

Probably do have to ask what your options are to retain the vehicle and then will be presented with that option, they probably expect and want you to move forward with the full payout and forfeiture of your damaged vehicle. Which for a lot of people would make the most sense, I feel that those of us who enjoy our vehicles, work on and have hopes and dreams to modify customize or have a special hard to find model etc. are typically the ones interested in retaining the vehicle. OR your financial situation necessitates you to do so.

-Ive been looking at alternate vehicles for sale. 4x4 Toyotas obviously retain their value, I'm seeing 90's-about 2015 selling for similar amounts some of money. 10k-15k seems to be common.

-in my instance insurance is valuing the salvage cost of my truck at $5,500 leaving me with $11,300 to repair it myself or do as I please.

The truck was 100% paid off.

So I'm looking at $17k no truck in the driveway
OR
$11,300 and my broken partially dismantled truck dropped off by a tow truck in my driveway or if I can find a shop I can immediately bring it to start getting fixed out of my own pocket padded by the 11.3k

I don't know if I would want to buy another tacoma of my year ish range with all of that vehicles unknowns and not have the same level of build that I currently have/had

I'm leaning towards retaining the vehicle and getting the mechanicals fixed and let the aesthetics of damage be as they are for now. I see people driving far worse wrecked vehicles around here.

If I retain and determine that fixing isn't in my cards then I have to part the truck or sell as is to recoup my losses for my next vehicle.

a buddy of mine has a 95.5 1st gen Taco thats been sitting and he wants $2k for. I've contemplated the full payout getting that truck back on the road but in that case I end up with a far older vehicle, the unknowns etc but for less money. less truck.

I feel it's probably worth taking my chances getting my 2009 back on the road. 5speed manual with cruise control is pretty sweet. I know my truck what it lacks and what it doesn't.

- Id be looking at fixing the mechanical damage to the front which I'm thinking maybe $4k-$7k to have someone else do?

-taking the time to learn/do it myself for less but my time is worth money too and I'm more of a carpenter with mechanical abilities and aptitude than a mechanic who knows what they're doing. the concept of staying in your lane comes to my mind. Do I try and do it myself gain the knowledge and pride of getting my truck back on the road myself or do I pay someone to do that and make money the way I know how to within my own profession?

-the truck does need a whole new suspension, I did have one on order. OME full lift/suspension kit I ordered in JULY. Have been waiting on an ETA for the leaf springs to come in / no ETA still.

-I did buy off marketplace the tundra sequoia wheels with mostly good falken AT wild peaks. Bought mainly for the wheel so I could potentially mount those as is or pony of for the new tires on those wheels or the current wheels I have but never really liked, came with the truck when I bought it certified pre-owned from dealership.

- 4cyl engine leaves much to be desired power wise but people have re-geared these little 4cyl micro trucks forever, so maybe more fixable than seems. I know because of having the manual transmission my gearing is a little better suited than if it were an auto. However I have always recognized the lack of power in this truck as well as the 1990 Toyota pickup I owned prior. That truck was geared like a tractor in comparison though. I still miss it but think that downgrading myself back to that probably isn't the smartest option for myself.

I was originally hoping insurance would cover the damages and get me back on the road, even if I had to invest more into it to do so. They won't do that.

-Do I buy my truck in its current state for $5,500. Get $11,300 to repair it with.
-Fix the mechanic damages getting it back off the ground maybe $4-$7k
-still need to address the suspension (I had temporarily installed used OEM bilsteins I got for $100 after I snapped a strut about 1/2 mile from my house and limped it back) $2k-$3k for something new and improved or fix as is maybe $1k?

I can see that $11k disappear quickly but would probably have my truck back (at some point)
or invest in an unknown and have the $17k to utilize but probably have to invest more into those unknowns on top of the $15k-$17k+

 

Thank you for the info, very much worth considering.

 

If I were to get the truck back on the road and end up in another total loss scenario based on current figures maybe I'd receive $6k-$8k for the total payout

 

I am honestly shocked that they totaled your truck; I have a 2010 regular cab 2WD...

I was involved in a freak accident at a scrapyard in February 2022 (not my fault), in which an excavator caused a scrap avalanche that in turn caused a metal pipe to smash into my truck. My truck had like 144K miles on it at the time and cost approximately $3,000 to fix (including a door from a totaled truck). The scrapyard's insurance company paid for everything.

 

You presently have 6,000 fewer miles on your truck than I had on mine when it got nailed by a metal pipe; I'm even more shocked that they totaled it, especially since it's 5-speed 4WD and mine is an automatic 2WD!

So, if my truck gets totaled and buy it back, I'm getting State Farm if I want full coverage?

My dad is a veteran, which automatically allows me to get USAA; I have USAA and absolutely love them, but apparently they will only do liability for vehicles with rebuilt titles.

@ColoradoTJ also has USAA and found this out the hard way when a hailstorm totaled his family's Subaru.

 

2009 TOYO Tacoma Access Cab Manual 4WD 4D P/U 4-2.7L Gasoline EFI WHITE
Line Oper Description Part Number Qty Extended
Price $

Labor Paint

1 FRONT BUMPER
2 O/H front bumper 2.9
3 ** Repl A/M Bumper cover w/o SR5
package w/o fog lamp

SHE8125-87Q-2 1 175.39 Incl. 3.0
4 Add for Clear Coat 1.2
5 ** Repl A/M RT Bumper filler white 480710 1 30.00 0.3 0.4
6 Add for Clear Coat 0.1
7 # Overlap Minor Panel 1 -0.2
8 ** Repl A/M RT Cover extn w/o X-Runner 300482 1 95.00 Incl. 0.6
9 Overlap Minor Panel -0.2
10 Add for Clear Coat 0.1
11 S01 Repl RT Bumper bracket 5327304020 1 30.51 Incl.
12 S01 Repl RT Upper retainer side 5212504010 1 48.21 Incl.
13 S01 Repl Upper retainer center 5252104040 1 54.96 Incl.
14 GRILLE
15 * Repl Grille painted gray 5310004410B1 1 329.16 Incl. 0.0
16 FRONT LAMPS
17 ** Repl A/M RT Headlamp assy w/o
smoked headlamp

312-1186R-AC 1 149.00 0.3
18 Aim headlamps 0.5
19 ** Repl A/M RT Fog lamp assy SHE8156-125Q-0 1 75.89 Incl.
20 RADIATOR SUPPORT
21 S01 Refinish Components 1.5
22 * S01 Rpr Radiator support s 7.5 Incl.
23 HOOD
24 S01 Blnd Hood w/scoop 1.5
25 S01 R&I Seal 0.2
26 S01 Repl Seal clip 9008046010 4 7.72
27 FENDER
28 ** Repl A/M CAPA RT Fender w/o flare 5381104090 1 289.00 2.4 2.2
29 S01 Overlap Minor Panel -0.2
30 * Add for Clear Coat 0.4
31 Add for Edging 0.5
32 * Add for Clear Coat 0.0
33 ** Repl A/M RT Wheel opng mldg w/o

X-Runner

SHE8125-92F-2 1 122.84 Incl. 1.2
34 Add for Clear Coat 0.2
35 * S01 Rpr RT Apron assy 2.7 liter s 3.0 1.0

Note: straighten/clean up bent brackets on the apron

36 S01 Overlap Major Non-Adj. Panel -0.2
37 ELECTRICAL
38 S01 Repl Antenna 8630004070 1 71.64 0.5
39 S01 Repl Antenna mast 8630904110 1 48.90 Incl.

12/4/2023 7:30:41 AM 019123 Page 2

Preliminary Supplement 1 with Summary

RO Number: 22825-OEM
2009 TOYO Tacoma Access Cab Manual 4WD 4D P/U 4-2.7L Gasoline EFI WHITE
40 S01 Repl Bezel 8639204040 1 30.57
41 S01 Repl Bezel nut 8639604040 1 7.70
42 S01 Repl Antenna cable 8610104010 1 118.64 0.3
43 # S01 access behind dash for antenna

cable install

1 1.5

44 ENGINE
45 S01 Repl Air inlet case 179710C010 1 234.34 m 0.3 M
46 WHEELS
47 ** S01 Repl A/M RT/Front Wheel, Aftermarket

wheel

42601AD041 1 250.00 m 0.3 M 0.0

48 FRONT SUSPENSION
49 * S01 RT O/H front suspension one side m 4.0 M
50 Repl RT Knuckle 4321104060 1 472.91 m Incl.
51 ** S01 Repl A/M RT Upper cntrl arm PCC1601735 1 48.99 m Incl. M
52 ** S01 Repl A/M RT Lower cntrl arm NCP2601736 1 45.99 m Incl. M
53 ** S01 Repl A/M RT Strut 2.7 liter Access Cab RS RS55149 1 95.99 m Incl. M
54 * Repl LKQ Stabilizer bar w/o Off Road

package

00022074 1 62.50 m 0.9 M
55 * Repl LKQ RT Axle assy 1M0368 1 62.73 m 1.5 M
56 Deduct for Overlap -1.0 M
57 S01 Repl RT Rotor 4351204052 1 90.63 m Incl.
58 S01 Repl RT Splash shield 4778104050 1 86.40 m Incl. M
59 S01 Repl RT Hub 4350204080 1 236.48 m Incl. M
60 S01 Repl RT Bearing w/ABS rotor 4357004011 1 225.12 m Incl. M
61 S01 Repl RT Oil seal 9031296001 1 20.20
62 S01 Repl RT Bearing o-ring 90301A0005 1 6.92 Incl.
63 S01 Repl RT Inner seal 90316A0001 1 43.87
64 STEERING GEAR & LINKAGE
65 ** S01 Repl A/M RT Outer tie rod 4WD PCCES80895 1 42.99 m Incl. M
66 # S01 adjust for overlap 1 0.2 M
67 ** S01 Repl RECOND Gear assy 4WD NRP262629 1 491.99 X m 2.2 M
68 # S01 Subl Steering Gear/Suspension -
Pending Invoice

1 X

Note: Hey This one's going to be pretty big once I have all the work done. It's going to be over 2K for the labor
I'm sure of it.

69 CAB
70 * S01 Rpr RT Rocker panel s 2.5 0.0

Note: drill out and re thread rocker panel bolt

71 FRONT DOOR
72 Blnd RT Door shell Access Cab 1.1
73 Repl RT Nameplate "TACOMA" 7542704010 1 44.45 0.3
74 R&I RT Mirror assy w/o body color

Access Cab

0.5

75 R&I RT Handle, outside w/o body

color

0.3
76 R&I RT R&I trim panel 0.4
77 S01 Repl RT Belt w'strip Access Cab 6816104050 1 48.73 0.3

12/4/2023 7:30:41 AM 019123 Page 3

Preliminary Supplement 1 with Summary

RO Number: 22825-OEM
2009 TOYO Tacoma Access Cab Manual 4WD 4D P/U 4-2.7L Gasoline EFI WHITE
78 MISCELLANEOUS OPERATIONS
79 # Subl 4 Wheel Alignment 1 89.99
80 # Flex Additive 1 12.00
81 # Hazardous Waste 1 5.00
82 # S01 Corrosion- E-coat 1 5.00 0.5
83 # Repl Tint Color 1 0.5
84 # S01 Cover Car 1 7.00 0.5
85 # S01 Mask Openings- to protect from

overspray

1 5.00 0.4

86 # S01 sand and buff to match factory

finish

1 25.00 1.0
87 # S01 Mask For Prime 1 5.00 0.5
88 TIRES
89 * S01 Repl DISCOVERER RTX 245/75RX BR01015 1 235.00 0.3

Note: Tire Rack

SUBTOTALS 4,685.35 35.8 14.2

ESTIMATE TOTALS
Category Basis Rate Cost $
Parts 4,193.36
Body Labor 27.4 hrs @ $ 62.00 /hr 1,698.80
Paint Labor 14.2 hrs @ $ 62.00 /hr 880.40
Mechanical Labor 8.4 hrs @ $ 95.00 /hr 798.00
Paint Supplies 14.2 hrs @ $ 42.00 /hr 596.40
Miscellaneous 491.99
Subtotal 8,658.95
Grand Total 8,658.95
Deductible 0.00
CUSTOMER PAY 0.00
INSURANCE PAY 8,658.95

 

I added the quote from the collision shop for damages. If I could have picked certain things off that list maybe I could have gotten IC to fix it for me. As a result of the totaled designation the shop cannot/will not perform the work.

honestly stuff on there I don’t care about getting fixed anyways. Doesn’t need a new “Tacoma” badge for example or my salt rusted antenna mount etc.

 

So the body shop probably expects you to pay out of pocket in cold hard cash before they'll start work now?

 

They won't even touch it, been deemed total loss and they will not work on total loss vehicles.

 

also that quote is got is for non-oem parts, quoted an additional guess of $4.5k for OEM parts If that quote were to go through, which it can't because they won't touch it now that its totaled.

 

Sounds like you need to just "shop around" and really look into getting the most coverage for yourself and actually understand what your policy will cover. from what I've read/been told it is generally harder to find insurance to cover a rebuilt vehicle but not impossible and if you were to get coverage they would designate your full vehicle value around 40%-60% air on the low end.

So with that logic, in my instance:
- $17k full payout first time
- if I proceed with fixing and re-registering then maybe the most I could hope for insurance to pay in the case of another incident would be $6,800-$10,200

excuse me if I calculated that incorrectly, haven't had much sleep/weighing all of this info in my head is a lot

 

I just received a quote from Progressive for about $1k a year to insure my truck if fixed. I mentioned I heard about insurance companies offering only 40%-60% of the coverage due to it being previously totaled. Agent said that may be with other insurance companies however he sees nothing that would dictate that through progressive. they would determine ACV if and when the accident were to occur. That would include Liability, Comprehensive and Collisions. $100,000 in liability

 

I've never heard of a body shop turning down a paying customer as long as their money is green; I wish you lived in Pennsylvania, because both my mechanic and the body shop I go to would probably put your truck back together. I have full coverage on my truck, but the last time I had a minor accident that was my fault, I paid out of pocket (like $1,100) because it was cheaper.

My mechanic actually buys salvage title vehicles and flips them for a profit.

 

Anecdotal only, but i have heard multiple stories of state farm dropping policies or refusing to renew customers after their first claim on both home and auto. And seems to only issue new policies to totally claim free new customers. Anyone seen otherwise? Or the same?

 

Also interested in hearing about others experiences

I would imagine they would not cover the same VIN, unless it were simply for liability. I plan to shop around and do my research with my next insurance company. I let my agent know I'm going to retain the truck, hoping to get it back tomorrow.

Edit: confirmation that I can retain my policy on the truck without collision. Once I get it fixed up I’ll shop for insurance with collision if all goes well.