Brand new car, barely driven — will insurance total it or actually fix it?

Almost the exact same thing happened to me — brand new car, rear-ended, visible and hidden damage. The adjuster initially tried to just fix it, but once the shop got it on a lift they found the frame rails were bent and it got totaled. Honestly, totaling it ended up being the better outcome for me financially because I got close to what I paid. Push for a thorough inspection before agreeing to anything.

Be really careful here. Adjusters lowball the actual cash value on newer cars sometimes because they pull from databases that don't always reflect current market prices — especially right now when used car values are all over the place. Before you accept any number they give you, go look up what comparable cars with similar mileage are actually selling for in your area. Screenshots everything. That's YOUR leverage.

From my time on the other side of this: the grinding noise you're describing is a red flag for something beyond cosmetic damage. Once the repair estimate starts climbing — and with structural stuff it always does — you could easily cross the total-loss threshold. Most carriers total a vehicle when repairs hit somewhere around 70-80% of the ACV, though it varies by state. Don't panic, but don't assume they'll just fix it cleanly either. Get the car to a reputable body shop (not just the one the insurer recommends) for an independent assessment if you can.

Diminished value is absolutely real and often overlooked. If your car gets repaired rather than totaled, it's worth less on the market than an identical car with a clean history — even with perfect repairs. In most states you can file a separate diminished value claim against the at-fault driver's insurance. Since you have a police report and a clear liability picture, you're in a decent position to pursue that. Just document everything obsessively right now: photos, any written estimates, your original purchase paperwork.

Please don't forget yourself in all of this car stuff. Rear-end collisions — even ones that don't feel catastrophic — can cause soft tissue injuries that don't show up until 24-72 hours later. If you feel ANY neck stiffness, headaches, or back soreness in the next few days, see a doctor and make sure it's documented. I've seen people brush it off and then really struggle later. The car stuff will get sorted, just make sure you're okay too.

Three things: 1) Don't sign or agree to anything the adjuster sends you until you've had the car fully inspected by a shop YOU trust. 2) Get the police report number in writing if you haven't already. 3) If the other driver's insurance is dragging their feet, file through your own full coverage and let them fight it out — your insurer will go after theirs for reimbursement. You shouldn't be sitting around waiting on someone else's carrier to get moving.

Not legal advice, but — with a brand new vehicle, a clear liability situation, and potential structural damage, this is exactly the type of case where having someone review your options costs you nothing upfront. Most PI attorneys work on contingency and a free consult can help you understand whether you're leaving money on the table with diminished value or a total-loss dispute. Just something to consider before you settle anything.

I know it feels awful right now, but you actually have a few things working in your favor — the other driver admitted fault, there's a police report, and you have full coverage. That's a much cleaner starting position than a lot of people on here are dealing with. You're going to get through this. It's just really stressful right now because it's all new and uncertain.