Auto body repair & detailing: Front end damage

Question

Front  

Side view   I wrecked my accord, hit a phone pole full force slipping on ice.  Wondering just by a brief overlook of the pictures do you think it's possible it could be totaled ?  I know there is a whole lot of needing to look under the car and under the hood. However, I'm curious.  I don't want to drive it after ( if) it is fixed.  And wasn't sure if they straighten unibodys or just totaled out the cars.  It has almost 26k miles

Answer
Hey Corrina!....Thanks for the pictures, as they definitely help me out. Judging by them, my guess it that your car is going to be a borderline write off, or written off all together. The majority of insurance companies will write a vehicle off, if the cost to repair said vehicle is between 75 and 80 percent of the replacement value. A borderline write off vehicle can be saved if wanted. How this is done, is to use aftermarket or recycled parts instead of factory parts, cut labor times, cut paint blend times, and work with the customer in regards to paying overages. If it is indeed a borderline write off, and since that you mentioned you don't wish to drive it after it has been repaired, my advice is to be adamant with your insurance company, and insisting that they use all factory parts, and do not cut labor/paint/blend times. This should bring the estimate back up to being classified as a total loss or write off....In regards to repairing unibody vehicles, as long as the proper procedures are followed in regards to replacing structural components such as frame rails, rad supports, fender apron assemblies, etc., the vehicle will react the exact same way in the event of another collision, the same as one that have never been repaired.....I hope this helps you out....Please feel free to drop me another line anytime, if there are any other questions or concerns that you may have....Thanks....Dave.