Lessons Learned After Rivian RT1 Collided with a Deer – Drive Defensively and be Prepared for Unexpected Events on the Road
Rivian RT1 is a great truck and sports car. It has been designed to absorb the impact of collisions with little impact felt inside. Unfortunately, a deer smashed into the front of one such vehicle while driving back from Houston to Austin. The driver was able to drive for about 30 miles before the truck stopped and put itself in park. Rivian Road Side advised the driver to call 911. Fortunately, nobody was hurt. The damage was extensive but repairable, as long as the fenders were undamaged. The insurance adjuster will listen to the owner's wishes and Rivian will need to provide information on parts availability and repairability. Tesla replaced an entire rear subframe when a customer hit a curb, so it is possible to get a Rivian RT1 repaired and looking like new again. However, be prepared to wait for parts, as it may take up to 6 weeks just to get an appointment at a shop and 5 weeks for parts to arrive.
The driver of the Rivian RT1 was able to get a tow truck and take it to a nearby shop. The shop was able to assess the damage and provide an estimate for repair. The cost of repair was estimated at $7,000. The insurance company agreed to cover the cost of repair, minus the deductible. Unfortunately, the deer had caused so much damage that the entire front end needed to be replaced. This included the hood, fenders, bumper, and headlights. The total cost of repair was estimated at $14,000.
The driver decided to have the car totaled instead of repaired. The insurance company agreed and paid out the value of the car minus the deductible. The driver was able to purchase another Rivian RT1 with the money from the insurance company.
The driver learned a valuable lesson from this experience: always be prepared for unexpected events on the road. It is important to drive defensively and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Even if you are driving a vehicle designed to absorb impacts, it is still possible for something like this to happen. Always make sure you have adequate insurance coverage in case something like this happens again.
Overall, this experience was a total loss for the driver. However, they were able to learn from their mistake and purchase another Rivian RT1 with the money from their insurance company. They now know how important it is to drive defensively and be aware of their surroundings at all times. Hopefully, this experience will help other drivers stay safe on the road and avoid similar situations in the future.
What happened to the Rivian RT1?
A deer smashed into the front of the Rivian RT1 while driving back from Houston to Austin. Nobody was hurt, but the truck stopped and put itself in park with no way of moving it again.
Is it possible to repair the damage caused by the accident?
If the fenders are undamaged, it could be "bolt on" stuff and there should be repair points where the front subframe and assemblies can be detached and new parts installed/welded/glued/sealed as per factory spec, literally "good as new." The insurance adjuster will listen to the owner's preference and also look at Rivian for parts availability and repairability.
How long does it usually take to repair a Rivian RT1 after an accident?
It can take up to 6 weeks just to get an appointment at a shop, then about 5 weeks for parts to arrive, and 3 weeks for disassembly and reinstallation of a new bumper with all sensors replaced. Repainting of existing quarter panel may also be necessary. All in all, it can take up to 14 weeks for repairs to be completed.
What is the cost of repairing a Rivian RT1 after an accident?
The cost of repairs depends on the severity of the damage and the parts needed. Generally, it can range from $2,000 to $10,000 or more. It also depends on the insurance company's coverage and deductible.
Is there any way to reduce the cost of repairs?
Yes, there are several ways to reduce the cost of repairs. One way is to shop around for repair shops that offer competitive prices. Another way is to look for used parts that are in good condition. Finally, you can try negotiating with your insurance company for a lower deductible or better coverage.