Lincoln/Mercury Repair: REAR END DAMAGE, mary kay, hi mary

Question
My 2002 Navigator was hit from the rear by a smaller vehicle. The damage was to the lower half of the truck with minimal contact to the actual bumper.  We were 1st told the repair would average roughly $3000 but then contacted later and was advised by the insurance company it would be totaled.  The truck was in excellent condition inside at outside prior to the accident.  Do you think this is uncommon?  I was really hoping to have it repaired because It was paid for.

Answer
Hi Mary Kay,

There seems to be some kind of mistake or mis-understanding happening here. You might try getting a second opinion. Depending on the equiptment, milage and condition, your truck should be worth around $20,000 using the averages according to Kelley's Blue Book. What kind of damage could possibly have happened that costs $20,000 or more. Ask the insurance claims person for an itemized estimate. This might give us some insight.