My state requires 80% damage for total loss. A co-worker was hit head-on in front of the our office building in his ram sport cc which was 2 weeks old and had 400 miles on it. They did $28k in damage INCLUDING a bent frame and it was not totaled. (he'll be getting rid of the truck after the settlement). We learned a couple interesting FACTS from his ordeal:
1. Bent frame does not mean automatic total loss (depending on state)
2. If all repairs are done using oem parts and factory-authorized "procedures" chrysler will guarantee trade in value
3. If all repairs are done using oem parts and factory-authorized "procedures" it is ILLEGAL to report it to carfax (hence the guaranteed trade-in value) from chrysler
Some of this is depends on the state you live in. They had his truck for 5 months while he argued over the frame straightening and lobbied for total loss vehicle replacement. Also, because of these rules it had to be restored to factory condition (he tried to buy the upgraded sport hood and have it installed during repair but was denied by the body shop). Chrysler sent reps down to examine the repair to determine warranty qualification and trade-in value. This was a 2010 model, he has put about 10k miles on it since these repairs were done and said physically it is perfect but mentally he can;t get past it. Has notice no tire wear or odd noises. He is still going to get rid of it after the case is closed but thought I would share his story with you guys.
