I hit a deer and totaled my CX-5 CE. State Farm says the value of my car is $1955 less than the market value because it had been in an accident before. They’re basically saying that because I hit a deer, they’re valuing the car $2000 under the actual worth on my reimbursement. Does this sound right? Are they just lowballing me? Feels like if you buy a new car, you’re insuring it like it’s already wrecked.
That doesn’t sound right at all. They should be going by the market value before the accident. Are they even trying, or do they think you’ll just accept this?
State Farm might be playing games. The whole point of insurance is to either fix your car or give you its pre-accident market value if it’s totaled. Do you have an agent? If so, talk to them, and if not, you might need to push back hard. Make them explain this nonsense in detail and point to the specific clause in your agreement.
Edit: Wait, they’re saying the damage is only $2000, but they’re not fixing it? That doesn’t add up. What’s going on here?
@Frankie
Insurance isn’t about making you whole—it’s about making money. They’re a business first and foremost. Don’t trust them to do right by you without a fight.
Bay said:
@Frankie
Insurance isn’t about making you whole—it’s about making money. They’re a business first and foremost. Don’t trust them to do right by you without a fight.
Oh, I get it. My family has been in insurance for generations, and I’ve seen how things work behind the scenes. They’re not here to help—they’re here to minimize payouts. That’s why knowing your policy is so important. Push them to stick to what’s in the agreement and don’t back down. It’s frustrating, but it’s the only way to get a fair shake.
I’ve had to really fight with State Farm before. Don’t let them push you around. Make sure they count everything—like any upgrades, tires, wheels, etc. They usually come back with a better offer if you stand firm.
Whoever you talked to must not know what they’re doing. If they’re valuing the car after the accident, it’d be worth scrap at that point. Call back and get someone who knows their stuff.
Well, the car is damaged…
Kelsey said:
Well, the car is damaged…
Haha, yes, very much so!
Maybe they’re confusing this with your deductible? Could it be they’re taking $2000 off because of that?
Remington said:
Maybe they’re confusing this with your deductible? Could it be they’re taking $2000 off because of that?
I’ve got a $1000 deductible. The $1955 deduction is listed as a separate item for ‘condition.’
@Shawn
Are they talking about paint or wear and tear stuff? That’s usually what they mean by condition.
If the car had been in a reported accident before this, even with a clean title, it might still show up on something like Carfax. That could lower the value.
State Farm is the worst. I’m surprised they’re offering you anything at all!
I’ve had the opposite experience—State Farm has always been great with claims. But if there’s an accident in the car’s history, even if it’s minor, that will lower the value. Where are you getting your market value from? Are you sure they aren’t including a deductible in their numbers? This sounds odd, especially for State Farm.
@Avery
I checked on Autotrader for similar 2023 CX-5 CE models within 50 miles of my area. State Farm did the same, apparently. My car had no prior accidents, and this is all before deducting my $1000 deductible. I’ve been with State Farm for 15 years with five cars and my house insured. They’ve been good to me before, so I’m meeting with them Monday to straighten this out.
@Shawn
What’s the mileage on your car? This really sucks. I’d be devastated if I lost mine after putting so much work into it.