well basically let them get an estimate of the damages. If the repair totals like 80% of the car (not sure on the precentage) they will claim it as a total loss. You might not want to take it to a Acura dealer for repair estimates, they will charge alot so it will bring the repair cost high. Go to www.kbb.com and see what yr car is worth, then hope the repairs will be much less. With my teg the car value was $5500 and damages were over 10K. Remember just yr airbags are 2K total.