One of the comments illustrates why what is going on happens.. and it’s a money making project for the insurance companies.
They’re not going to take the slightest chance on putting a mobile battery fire hazard back on the road.
The owner bought an EV he knows all about the implications of any damage and he’s obviously insured the thing including gap insurance.
What’s his problem the fate of the car becomes the total perogative of the insurer as soon as the claim notification lands on their desk.Obviously no gap insurance means taking a loss just like trading the thing in.
His big mistake was taking it through insurance in the first place, if I’d made a stupid mistake like that with no third party involved & there was no sign of damage to the battery pack. I’d have had it trucked home & sorted the wheel, tyre, door ding & running board myself & took the monetary hit.