I Totaled My Beloved Tesla Model 3: The Aftermath

Fritz Hasler, a seasoned driver with over 70 years of experience, recently experienced his first serious intersection accident involving his 2019 Tesla Model 3 Long Range in Madison, Wisconsin. While driving through a residential area at 25 mph, Hasler missed a stop sign and was struck on the right rear quarter panel by another vehicle, which appeared to be driven by a distracted motorist. Although Hasler accepted majority fault, he noted that the other driver showed no signs of braking or evasive action, suggesting she may have been texting at the time. Fortunately, the damage was confined to the rear quarter panel, bumper, and suspension, and no one was injured. The aftermath of the collision revealed the challenges of dealing with insurance and repairs for an electric vehicle. Hasler’s Tesla was declared a total loss by his insurer due to the high cost of repairs relative to the car’s value, which was complicated by the vehicle’s mileage and age. Despite this, Hasler argued that the car’s value was enhanced by its Full Self Driving (FSD) subscription and premium features, raising the estimated worth to around $16,000. The prospect of replacing such a specialised vehicle proved difficult, especially given the limited availability of used Teslas equipped with the latest hardware and lifetime FSD subscriptions. Hasler’s search for a suitable replacement highlighted the complexities faced by electric vehicle owners seeking advanced autonomous features. Most used car platforms provide scant information on critical Tesla specifications such as battery range, FSD status, and hardware versions, forcing buyers to rely on dealers for verification. A Utah-based company, EVAuto, offers detailed tracking of these attributes but is geographically distant from Hasler’s Wisconsin home. Moreover, the local regulatory environment and dealer restrictions in Wisconsin add further hurdles, making it challenging to purchase or have a Tesla delivered locally. The incident also underscored the stark contrast between Hasler’s Tesla and his temporary rental, a Toyota Corolla, which lacked comparable autonomous driving capabilities. While the Corolla offered basic cruise control, it fell short of Tesla’s sophisticated FSD system, particularly in handling stop signs and sharp turns. This experience reinforced Hasler’s commitment to finding a replacement Tesla with the latest hardware and software, despite the logistical and financial obstacles involved. The case illustrates broader issues in the electric vehicle market around insurance valuations, vehicle replacement, and the accessibility of advanced driver-assistance technologies.