Ok so I have a situation on my hands. I have a vehicle (2007, 75k miles approx value 14,000) and the engine went up. And it would cost 7k to replace, and the vehicle needs other stuff too (tires, brakes). So right now it really isn't worth much. I am pretty much fucked. Hasn't been tagged for about 6 months.

I was thinking of tagging/insuring it again very soon, and see if **maybe** it might find it's way into a wall/pole type deal. I have researched this extensively and my only concern is the insurance company not totaling the vehicle. I have read that these days hey can do all types of shit with the frame, and on my type of vehicle it can easily be replaced if needed. So even if I make sure it is banged up pretty good, I am going to need to hit a minimum of about 9k in damage to make sure they total it. (70% damage rate in my state guidelines). I have the perfect spot to do it, but am concerned with just how hard I am going to have to hit it for this amount of damage.

My vehicle is very large (SUV) and is not a small little compact car, so this might be a little harder than it seems. My main question is if the front passenger corner takes a direct hit, what are the odds I can actually damage this thing enough to make sure they total it? Also, are they going to figure out the engine is fucked up afterwards? I mean it starts up and runs and everything, just can't drive it very far (not like they could actually drive it anyway but). The damage to the engine is completely internal (bearings are shot we think).

So has anyone have any experience with insurance companies and this situation? Any mechanics that can shed some light on what it would take to do 9k in damage? I am going to keep it insured for at least 3 months before I do anything.....if I do.