Members: The Sawyers, Colorado

Vehicle: 2013 Toyota RAV4

Event Date: November 2024

Initial Report

The Sawyers live south of Denver in an area where there are a lot of deer. In November, a large deer crossed in front of their 2013 Toyota RAV4. The impact caused heavy front-end damage. The vehicle remained drivable.

Mr. Sawyer submitted the event through the GDC app with clear photos and the vehicle VIN. The RAV4 was parked in his garage when the images were taken.

Visible damage included:

• Buckled hood

• Broken headlamps

• Damaged front bumper

• Cracked grille

No visible fluid leaks appeared in the photos. Only visible damage can be evaluated from images. Hidden damage is confirmed during teardown at the shop.

Shop Inspection and Estimate

The Auto Damage Specialist coordinated with Solvd, our managed repair partner, to locate a nearby collision shop for inspection.

During teardown, additional damage was found:

• Bent condenser

• Broken radiator mounts

• Engine bay structural impact

Repair estimate: $11,135.88

Three numbers were reviewed side by side:

• Repair estimate: $11,135.88

• Vehicle value before impact

• Expected salvage value

Vehicle Value Review

Local market data was reviewed to determine what a comparable 2013 Toyota RAV4 in similar condition would sell for in the Sawyers' area.

Vehicle value before impact: $15,360.00

Based on these figures and Colorado requirements, the vehicle was handled as a total loss.

Salvage and Auction

Once confirmed, GDC's salvage auction partner Copart retrieved the RAV4 from the repair facility.

Mr. Sawyer mailed the signed title. After required documentation was processed, the vehicle was sold through auction.

Net auction proceeds were returned to the GDC community and applied to reduce future sharing.

Final Numbers

Total loss amount, including applicable taxes: $16,396.80

The Sawyers also had transportation assistance included in their plan. After submitting their rental invoice, $1,200.00 was reimbursed in accordance with the Sawyers Plan limits.

Under GDC's structure:

• Sawyers' Out-Of-Pocket Expense was applied

• Sawyers' Remaining Pledge Balance was applied

• Any remaining amount was shared across the community

All figures were visible in the GDC app, including the public sharing cycle in which the event was announced. (No PII included.)

Process Notes

Throughout the event, the Sawyers could track each stage in the app, message their Auto Damage Specialists, and receive updates by phone, text, email, or in-app message.

Sequence: eligibility review, shop inspection, value comparison, weekly announcement and sharing, auction.

All steps documented. All numbers visible.