Total it or nothing was probably better in this case?

[theking]

Rivian R1T Owner's $42,000 Repair Bill — The Shocking Cost Of A Minor Fender Bender On A $73,000 Electric Truck


Rivian R1T owner Chris Apfelstadt experienced an unexpected financial shock after a seemingly minor rear-end collision in February. Although the damage appeared limited to the rear bumper, the repair costs escalated to $42,000 when he took his vehicle to a certified Rivian Automotive Inc. repair shop. This repair bill is particularly surprising considering that the starting price of a brand-new Rivian Automotive Inc. (NASDAQ:RIVN) R1T is around $73,000.

Apfelstadt initially received an estimate of $1,600 from the other driver’s insurance company, leading him to expect a manageable repair bill. The reality proved to be far costlier when he entrusted his Rivian to one of three certified repair shops in central Ohio. According to Apfelstadt, the repair facility provided him with a meticulous cost breakdown, documenting each step of the repair process and furnishing photographic evidence. The resulting repair expenses, combined with Apfelstadt’s rental car costs, nearly reached the $50,000 limit of the other driver’s insurance payout.

He shared an image on Facebook allegedly obtained from the repair shop, revealing the fully disassembled bed of his truck without any body panels and even lacking the rear glass. Explaining the extent of the damage, Apfelstadt clarified, “The back quarter panel was damaged, and that piece spans from the tailgate to the front windshield.”

Apfelstadt highlighted the key takeaway from the situation, stating that seemingly minor accidents can lead to significantly higher repair costs than expected. He emphasized that Rivian trucks are designed to absorb impact and prioritize the safety of occupants, necessitating a thorough inspection of various components following a collision to ensure no hidden damage exists. Apfelstadt acknowledged the shocking total repair cost but affirmed that the certified shop thoroughly adhered to Rivian’s repair guidelines.