Not sure how to even write this, but I had an accident today in my 2023 Forester Premium… and now I’m really worried it’s going to be a total loss.
It happened on a country road lined with big rocks. I lost control, hit the rocks, and the car rolled onto its side before landing on a rock pile. The airbags went off, both passenger windows shattered, and the right side is pretty banged up. It actually looks better than I expected after flipping it back, but still, all four side airbags deployed.
I owe $21k on it, which is about its value. The insurance adjuster will obviously have the final say, but has anyone had a Forester come back from this kind of damage? I just don’t have the money to replace it right now, so I’m hoping for the best. First accident ever, and I’m really beating myself up about it.
Jin said:
Airbags deploying is usually a bad sign. Once those go off, repair costs jump a lot.
Yeah, that’s what I was afraid of. All four side airbags deployed. I’m just glad I was alone in the car, but I keep replaying everything in my head. I had just been joking with my aunt about being ‘done’ with Subaru, but I didn’t mean it like this lol.
@AlexJordan1
I get it. I rolled my 2021 Forester, then hit a deer in my 2024 Forester. Both were totaled. Ended up getting a Crosstrek instead. Walked away both times, so I still trust Subaru, just couldn’t bring myself to get another Forester.
@Jin
Wow, that’s rough. Thanks for sharing though… even if it’s bad news for my car, it’s reassuring to hear you were okay both times. I was actually looking at a Tahoe or 4Runner for my next car, but I have to admit, this thing held up way better than I expected after rolling onto a rock pile. If I had landed on grass, it might’ve just been some scratches and broken windows. Kind of wild.
@Jin
Did you get to take any aftermarket stuff off your car when it was totaled? I have some J-hooks and crossbars that were a gift, and I’d rather not lose them.
AlexJordan1 said: @Jin
Did you get to take any aftermarket stuff off your car when it was totaled? I have some J-hooks and crossbars that were a gift, and I’d rather not lose them.
If you can get back to the car before the insurance finalizes everything, you should be able to grab your stuff.
@Jin
Already picked up my things when I followed the tow truck. Didn’t want to leave anything inside with the windows broken. Gotta go back for a DVD and the J-hooks though. Crossbars are probably staying, I don’t have the tools to take them off.
Sorry man, I don’t have any firsthand experience, but from what you described… sounds like a total loss. Airbags, windows, body damage… doesn’t look good.
Frey said:
Sorry man, I don’t have any firsthand experience, but from what you described… sounds like a total loss. Airbags, windows, body damage… doesn’t look good.
Yeah, the people at the scene said it was about 50/50 since it’s mostly one side and the undercarriage looks fine. But with the way this year has been going for me, I’m expecting the worst at this point.
Frey said: @AlexJordan1
At least you walked away. That’s what matters most. Money sucks, but it comes back.
Yeah, I was lucky. I’m a nanny and always have dogs in the car, and I’m just relieved they weren’t with me. I’ll definitely be investing in kennels for them after this. Subaru really does hold up in crashes, I’ll give them that. People were surprised the car wasn’t completely wrecked. Still hoping it’s fixable, but preparing for the worst.
Clancy said:
Do you have gap insurance? That might help if they total it.
Nope, wasn’t even offered when I bought it. Funny thing is, my ex got offered gap insurance on their new Crosstrek and their payments were still lower than mine. Kind of bitter about that lol.
But KBB and trade-in values are actually higher than what I owe, so that’s something.
Zain said:
How bad are the dents? If the frame is good and it’s mostly cosmetic, there’s a small chance they’ll repair it.
Honestly, it looked worse in my head before we flipped it back over. The right side panels are dented up, but not as bad as I expected. The airbags and broken windows are what worry me most.