Insurance headache - they’ll pay to remove my PPF but not replace it after collision repair?

SecretaryDizzy4575 | 2026-02-07 01:31 | 23 views

Ugh. Need to vent and also looking for advice from anyone who’s been through this. Got my 2023 Model Y hit in January. Driver side took the hit - both doors, fender, quarter panel, bumper, mirror, even had to replace two wheels. Not my fault at all, other driver is 100% liable. Tesla Boston is handling the repair, looking at around $16k. So here’s the annoying part. I had PPF and ceramic coating on the whole car. When GEICO wrote up their estimate, they actually included labor to remove the PPF from the hood, bumper, and fender. Great, they acknowledge it exists. But when I asked about covering the cost to reapply PPF after the paint cures? Nope. Won’t do it. …what? You’re literally paying someone to strip it off my car but you won’t pay to put it back? The car had PPF before the accident. After repairs it won’t. How is that “restoring to pre-accident condition” which is what MA law requires? Probably looking at $6K to redo everything. Anyone else run into this with their Tesla? Did your insurance cover it or did you have to fight? I’m also 0% at fault so I’m wondering if I should just go after the other driver’s insurance directly for the PPF and maybe diminished value too. Open to any suggestions because this is frustrating.

Comments (9)

FitterOver40 2026-02-07 01:36

We have NJ Manufacturers bundled insurance. They covered the replacement for PPF. However it was a small section. Note this was on our Volvo EV.

Costco_Bob 2026-02-07 01:40

Ppf probably falls under cpe endorsements.

Acceptable-Matter774 2026-02-07 01:52

On a recent claim Erie paid to replace ppf and ceramic. They wanted proof of the ceramic but I had the bill from the detailer who also gave me a price to replace it. Get the prices in writing and send to the insurance company. Then follow up if refused with insurance commission. Your insurance company owes you a duty to pursue all of your damages.

Pitiful-Art-423 2026-02-07 02:44

Simple. Don't settle. Or, sue the driver for anything their insurance doesn't cover. Btw: ppf does depreciate because it ages.

Prod1702 2026-02-07 03:50

That sucks, Progressive covered the PPF cost on my old Y when I had the bumper replaced with them.

VegasRaider916 2026-02-07 04:22

You paid to insure your model y ($40k ish) not the ppf ($5k). It’s no different than if you put $10k rims on it and they were stolen or damaged. You have to pay more for more coverage (endorsement on policy). Some policies have coverage up to $500-$1000 for unendorsed customizations so you may want to check on that.

Commercial_Watch_936 2026-02-07 07:01

I think if OP was going through their own insurance this would be a valid point, but when not at fault and going through the other insurance, they have to make you whole. A valid point of reference to back up my opinion is, a co-worker had his Tesla damaged by a City or County vehicle, ended up going through their insurance of course. It took a long time because of bureaucracy, but they ended up replacing his vehicle wrap on the panels affected. He just had to wait for the paint to cure before reinstalling it. If a government vehicle instance will cover the PPF/wrap, then absolutely a regular insurance company should return the vehicle to its prior state.

VegasRaider916 2026-02-07 07:13

I think he is using his own coverage. His carrier can submit his invoice for replacing the ppf to the other carrier but he would have to pay out of pocket and hope the other carrier reimburses in full. Would be better to have repairs done through at fault party so then not bound by own policy limits.

Relative_Building_81 2026-02-07 10:09

But OP was not at fault with the accident. The other party’s insurance should pay for all damages up to the covered limit.

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