For context the Torres Strait Islands are just off the north of Australia (the pointy bit to be precise) and are largely inhabited by first nations people. They are isolated geographically and rely on fishing and small scale gardening and farming to survive.

From CNN link:

Hurricane Otis made landfall near Acapulco, Mexico, early Wednesday as a Category 5 storm, delivering what forecasters warned could be a “nightmare scenario” for Mexico’s southern coast as it threatens to cause catastrophic damage with destructive winds, heavy rainfall and storm surge.

Otis’ center slammed into Mexico’s coast around 12:25 a.m. local time with sustained winds of 165 mph, the National Hurricane Center said.

and this is the latest advisory from NOAA https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/text/refresh/MIATCPEP3+shtml/250845.shtml

Apparently it built from a tropical storm to a Cat 5 in about 24 hours.

So I had a crash. My car has been assessed as a repairable write off and I have to decide if I push the insurer to repair or I take the payout. I owe no money but would be out of pocket to purchase new(ish). I was not intending to trade it in or sell in the foreseeable future.

I understand the process if I opt for a write off. If I push for repair I know it needs review and scutiny.

I am thinking of pushing for repair. Anyone else gone down that path? Any gotchas or experiences to share? I really am in two minds right now.

Edit: had long chat with the repairer and reviewed the damage and went with write off. Panels and all the suspension on one side was stuffed and needed replacement. The risk of other stuff being just out enough to cause future problems, and risk of issues from sitting out for months waiting on parts was just more than I wanted. Got a fair payout. Bye beasty. Thanks for crumpling so I didn't...