Need Advice: Cybertruck Collision – Total Loss or Repair?

[CTMichael]

Hey everyone,

Looking for advice from folks here who’ve had experience with insurance claims, repairs, or major damage with their Cybertruck. I was recently involved in a serious collision—an F-150 hit my Cybertruck on the driver’s side at roughly 30-40mph.
• Front and rear airbags deployed
• Driver side damage is significant
• Truck had less than 3000 miles
• Original purchase was $87,990 (AWD with FSD)
• I’ve also added ~$10K in upgrades (wrap, tint, tires, running boards)
• I’m insured through Tesla Insurance

The body shop already ordered parts and says it’s repairable, but I’m concerned about the long-term implications—especially with the structural damage and airbag deployment.

I have a few questions for anyone who’s been through something similar:

1. Do you think Tesla Insurance will total the truck despite the body shop’s intent to fix?
2. If it is totaled, what kind of payout should I realistically expect from Tesla Insurance?
3. If it’s repaired, will it ever truly be the same?
4. Any red flags I should watch out for during the process?
5. Would you push to total it, given the extent of the damage?

I’d appreciate any feedback, shared experiences, or tips. I’m feeling a little overwhelmed and trying to make sure I don’t overlook something important.

Thanks in advance

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[Mattkalin]

Need more pictures.. https://service.tesla.com/docs/Cybe...UID-5FC821DF-0811-41E5-9277-8A11060C3D02.html

Look at this Link… If either the Inner or Outer Body side components are damaged its likely totaled. Also if there was any damage to the battery pack which looks unlikely.

Here’s some Responses to your Questions.

• Do you think Tesla Insurance will total the truck despite the body shop’s intent to fix?
  • TBD but unless you damaged the Inner/Outer Door sides probably not totaled.
• If it is totaled, what kind of payout should I realistically expect from Tesla Insurance?
  • I recently had my FDN AWD Totalled with 15k miles and Progressive paid 83k.
• If it’s repaired, will it ever truly be the same?
  • No it will not.
• Any red flags I should watch out for during the process?
  • I would make sure to personally visit the Repair Shop and talk with them about there Cybertruck Repair experience. I would also push for a Tesla Owned Collision center but sometimes that’s not reasonable.
• Would you push to total it, given the extent of the damage?
  • Depends on your financial situation… If your upside down with GAP Coverage then Yes. Any other situation and your going to take a financial beating so its all in what kind of pain threshold you are willing to sacrifice to get a New Truck.

You may want to consider talking with a Collision Consultant who can help you navigate this. https://collisionconsultantsofnorthamerica.com/

 

[Gigahorse]

Yea without additional pictures tough to make a guess.
Keep in mind the resale value of what you paid is down likely 30% if it has a wreck on it even after repaired it will likely be 60%

Looks like an airbag went off? If that is the case the odds of it getting totaled are a lot higher.

 

[Mattkalin]

Yea without additional pictures tough to make a guess.
Keep in mind the resale value of what you paid is down likely 30% if it has a wreck on it even after repaired it will likely be 60%

Looks like an airbag went off? If that is the case the odds of it getting totaled are a lot higher.

Yes the odds are Higher but not anywhere near guaranteed. The Cyber is built with repairability in mind. When I got T Boned it was 48k in damage and they were going to just fix it.. What pushed them over the edge was the Inner/Outer Bodyside was separated. To repair this they have to basically strip the entire interior ,drop the battery pack and remove the windshield and Roof Glass. Then drill out welds and dismount from the front and rear castings. Replace and put everything back together... It requires a special measuring bench to ensure everything goes back together and that was unavailable anywhere in the Midwest. All the airbags blew on mine other than Steering Wheel and Drivers side Curtain Bags.

 

[CTMichael]

Here are some more pictures. I’m curious what the liquid is leaking out when it was on the truck.

I wasn’t planning on selling any time soon so resell value wasn’t a concern. I really want my truck back at the lowest cost and in working condition. I’m looking for strategies for dealing with the adjusters and shop to maximize return.

 

[JackCypher]

Sorry for the accident: The total repair cost and damage is clearly not fully assessed. If the liquid is battery coolant, that can indicate more considerable damage.

Tesla, [ I am not hating here!] seems to be quite capricious when it comes to warranty, etc. There are numerous instances where buyer of a used Tesla finds the Tesla declares the car from it's history they track as out-of-warranty or totaled. In spite of the CARFAX report.

So consider, although it might be repaired. Tesla in the future knowing the particular history of that CT - might declare some issue, compromising any future warranty or reparability.

It sucks all around.

Here in California, we also have 'depreciated value'.

Regards
Jack

 

[Gigahorse]

Here are some more pictures. I’m curious what the liquid is leaking out when it was on the truck.

I wasn’t planning on selling any time soon so resell value wasn’t a concern. I really want my truck back at the lowest cost and in working condition. I’m looking for strategies for dealing with the adjusters and shop to maximize return.

Ouch, based on the extent of the damage and severity of it my guess is they will total it.
Keep us posted

 

[CTMichael]

Well I finally got my truck back 4 1/2 months later. Here is what it looked like a few weeks ago and today it’s like new.

 

[Mal]

Man, even with the skin off, CTs are impressive.

 

[CTMichael]

Yes the odds are Higher but not anywhere near guaranteed. The Cyber is built with repairability in mind. When I got T Boned it was 48k in damage and they were going to just fix it.. What pushed them over the edge was the Inner/Outer Bodyside was separated. To repair this they have to basically strip the entire interior ,drop the battery pack and remove the windshield and Roof Glass. Then drill out welds and dismount from the front and rear castings. Replace and put everything back together... It requires a special measuring bench to ensure everything goes back together and that was unavailable anywhere in the Midwest. All the airbags blew on mine other than Steering Wheel and Drivers side Curtain Bags.

By the way this is what it looks like when they have to replace the inner body side panel.

 

[Mini2nut]

I would pray for no squeaks or rattles once it’s returned.

What was the $48k accurate for collision repairs?

 

[Mattkalin]

Wow … I

Well I finally got my truck back 4 1/2 months later. Here is what it looked like a few weeks ago and today it’s like new.

Thats a very good picture of the surgury required... Im glad they totalled mine and I hope eveything is good for your truck. I just couldnt swollow having a 100K Truck with that kind of damage history..Resale will take a hit but If you keep it forever it wont matter.

 

[CTMichael]

I would pray for no squeaks or rattles once it’s returned.

What was the $48k accurate for collision repairs?

I think closer to $35,000, though there were some late additions that could have pushed it up.

 

[That Beast Mode]

Well I finally got my truck back 4 1/2 months later. Here is what it looked like a few weeks ago and today it’s like new.

Now get this image turned into a wrap and wrap the truck with it, it'll look like one of those phone cases that have an X-ray image of the inner guts.

 

[CyberGus]

Now get this image turned into a wrap and wrap the truck with it, it'll look like one of those phone cases that have an X-ray image of the inner guts.

There are a few out there.

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