Rear-ended, 0% at fault — will my car get repaired or totaled? Anyone been through this?

I went through almost this exact thing about a year and a half ago — rear-ended at a light, zero fault on my end. My car had similar damage and I was sweating the same questions. For what it's worth, the trunk misalignment you're describing is often a red flag for structural damage, which can push the repair cost up fast. Mine ended up being totaled once they pulled it apart and found more underneath. Definitely ask the shop directly if they're seeing anything structural.

So I used to work on the claims side and the 'total loss threshold' question is a real one. Most insurers use something in the range of 70–80% of the actual cash value of the vehicle as their informal trigger — meaning if the repair estimate climbs to that percentage of what your car is worth, they'll often just total it instead. That said, it varies by company and even by individual adjuster. The key thing is: make sure you know what they think your car is worth before they give you the repair estimate. Those two numbers together tell the whole story. If you think their valuation of your car is low, you can push back with comparable listings in your area.

Please don't just take the first number they give you on anything — whether it's the repair estimate OR if they total it and make you an offer. Adjusters aren't your friends, even when you're 0% at fault. They still have an incentive to close claims cheaply. If they total it, pull your own comps for similar vehicles in similar condition and negotiate.

On the OEM parts question — this is actually worth asking about explicitly and in writing. Some policies have language about 'like kind and quality' parts, which can be interpreted to allow aftermarket. If OEM matters to you (and it should, especially for safety-related components), put your preference in writing early and ask them to document how they respond. It's much harder to fight after the repair is already done.

Three things: document everything, document everything, document everything. Take your own photos of the damage if you haven't already. Get a copy of every estimate and every piece of communication in writing. And if the repair comes back and anything feels off afterward, don't let them close the claim until you're satisfied. Once it's closed it's really hard to reopen.

Quick question — did you get an independent inspection done or is the only estimate coming from the insurance company's preferred shop? Because that shop has a relationship with your insurer and while most are legit, it's worth knowing you can get your own independent estimate done. Might be worth it given you're already worried about structural damage.

I know the waiting is brutal but honestly, being clearly 0% at fault puts you in a much stronger position than a lot of people here. You're not fighting about liability on top of everything else. Use this time to research your car's actual market value so you're ready to have an informed conversation the moment they come back with a number.