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Earlier this evening, while scrolling through the “RIVIAN Electric Vehicles Discussion” group on Facebook, a post by a fellow owner named Rafael stopped me in my tracks. He shared a frustrating experience that many EV owners, especially those with premium electric trucks like the Rivian R1T, dread. His truck got hit while it was parked and charging, and what followed wasn’t just a fender-bender situation. It quickly turned into a financial headache that’s unfortunately all too familiar for folks who drive high-value vehicles.
He says, “Somebody hit the truck while it was parked and charging. They called the cops; there was paperwork on the windshield when we arrived,” Rafael wrote. “We called their insurance company, and they said their coverage is only for $10,000 (FL), which may not be enough for the repair and a loaner for the time being… Do I have to go after diminished value if it’s a lease? This will cost us time, driving back and forth to the body shop, money for gas, etc. Can we also ask for some kind of compensation?”
To better understand how a situation like this unfolds legally and financially, I read one of Mara Wolff’s post’s. “When someone hits your parked car, and their insurance coverage doesn’t fully cover the damage, it’s unfortunately up to you to make up the difference unless your own policy includes underinsured motorist protection or collision,” Mara explained. “And with vehicles like the R1T, repair costs add up fast. Parts, labor, diagnostic time, it all contributes. Even if you’re leasing, diminished value still matters. Insurance won’t hand it to you; you have to ask, document, and sometimes even fight for it.”
Why $10,000 Just Isn’t Enough Anymore
The real issue here is that $10,000 in coverage simply doesn’t go far when you’re dealing with a vehicle that costs north of $80,000. Modern EVs like the R1T come with specialized components and materials that aren’t cheap, or easy, to replace. Some owners report waiting weeks for repairs due to parts shortages or backlogged Rivian service centers.
One recent case involved a Rivian owner who discovered serious service delays that ultimately revealed deeper quality control concerns. This just goes to show that when something goes wrong, it rarely stops at just surface-level damage.
What Makes Leasing Even More Complicated
Rafael mentioned he’s leasing his R1T, which introduces another layer of complexity. A lot of people assume leases are “safe” because the vehicle technically belongs to the finance company, but that doesn’t mean you’re off the hook when accidents happen. You’re still responsible for returning the vehicle in good condition, or else paying for the difference.
And yes, diminished value still applies even on a lease. That means the vehicle may lose value after an accident, even a fully repaired one, and the leaseholder might want that loss reimbursed. It’s often a separate battle entirely, and unless you document everything or bring in a third-party appraiser, you may never see a dime.
My Personal Take
As someone who also drives a Rivian and reports on EVs every day, I think stories like Rafael’s are becoming way too common. And what bothers me most isn’t just the financial side, it’s the mental energy it takes to chase after what you’re owed. You buy a truck like the R1T expecting premium ownership, but all it takes is one irresponsible driver with the bare minimum insurance to throw your life off balance. I genuinely think underinsured motorist coverage should be mandatory in states with high EV adoption. We’ve reached a point where a basic $10K policy is laughably outdated for modern vehicle repair costs.
Personally, I’ve encountered frustrating issues like critical battery failures that left the truck stuck rebooting mid-drive, and that was without a crash involved. So I understand why even minor damage can turn into a major ordeal.
Avoiding the Trap: What You Can Do Now
Some of the best advice Rafael received came from fellow group members. One user, Mike, commented: “DON’T TALK TO THEIR INSURANCE COMPANY. Only speak with yours. Let them do the talking for you. Their insurance is going to try to get out of it, that’s not your concern. You’re not at fault, they are 100% responsible for 100% of the costs, regardless of their coverage.”
And that’s the truth. Your own insurer has a legal duty to represent your interests. The other party’s insurer doesn’t. If you’re hit, even when parked, report it to your provider and let them handle the rest. Document every detail, from timestamps and police reports to photos and dashcam footage (if available). And be prepared to push for diminished value or reimbursement for things like time off work, gas, or rental costs.
Also, check if your current policy includes coverage for underinsured motorists. Many people skip this thinking, “That won’t happen to me.” Until it does. And when it does, the difference between a $10K policy and a $30K repair bill falls on your shoulders.
And that’s assuming the truck didn’t suffer more complicated issues, like what happened to an R1T owner who lost their rear motor just 800 miles in. EVs, especially new ones, aren’t immune to compounding failures, especially after a collision.
The Real Cost of Being Hit While Parked
It’s not just the visible damage. It’s everything else: The hours lost dealing with repair shops. The stress of not having your vehicle. The fuel or charging costs of driving back and forth. And worst of all, the uncertainty of whether you’ll ever recover those losses.
And if you’re thinking, “Well, it’s a Rivian, the service should be amazing,” think again. Even well-meaning service centers can’t fix supply chain delays. Another owner shared how repeated HVAC system failures turned ownership into a nightmare, showing how even non-accident-related issues can derail the experience.
Then there’s the issue of aesthetic customization. Imagine investing in a unique look for your R1T, like this owner who wrapped theirs in matte burnished bronze with gloss black accents and smoked lights, only to see it ruined in a single crash. Matching that aftermarket finish isn’t easy or cheap, and insurance rarely covers it unless you specifically added it to your policy.
When Insurance Can’t Fix Everything
Even if your insurance helps cover the costs, there’s something else people don’t always consider: time and peace of mind. The stress of navigating a claim. The scheduling logistics. The guesswork about whether your vehicle will ever be the same. One driver even decided to ditch their Tesla Model 3 for an R1T, only to rethink everything just 30 days later after some unexpected challenges.
That’s why when your Rivian gets hit, even while parked, you’re not just dealing with a bumper repair. You’re juggling a chain reaction of expenses, logistics, and emotional fatigue.
Takeaway: You Have to Be Your Own Advocate
If there’s one lesson here, it’s that nobody’s going to fight for your losses harder than you will. And in the world of EVs, that’s truer than ever. The vehicles are expensive, the repairs are complex, and the system isn’t designed with electric trucks in mind, yet.
So if you drive a Rivian or any high-value EV, check your policy, prepare for the worst, and remember: A parked car isn’t always safe. Especially when the other driver’s idea of “full coverage” barely scratches the surface.
Have you ever dealt with an underinsured driver after your EV was hit while parked? Have you ever filed a diminished value claim, and was it worth it? Share your experience in the comments below.
Narek Hareyan is a young automotive journalist with experience in a golf cart dealership and an interest in the automotive industry. Follow Narek on X for daily news coverage about cars.
Image source: Rafaels Facebook Post & Rivian Press Room Gallery
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Source: torquenews.com
