First time dealing with an auto insurance claim – Please help with insight.

Hello all,

So my mom’s car was rear ended, the other driver is at fault and his insurance is footing the bill. (Kemper)

We took the car, a 2019 BMW 230i to the bodyshop they suggested. Nice shop, nice guy running it. My mom was told if the total repairs exceeded $10k it would be deemed a total loss. The insurance contacted her a little while ago and yep, the car is totaled.

The car still drive perfectly, the trunk, bumper and qtr panel is the damaged areas, all sensors work, backup camera works, no check engine light, no airbags deployed.

The guy from the shop told me, it’s a little over the $10k threshold.

My questions:

Do we have to fight to get max value? (Her car is an M Sport with red interior and many other options)

If they’re not willing to pay over $10k to get it fixed, does that mean she won’t get anything over $10 even though the car is worth more?

If the total repair charge is say $12k, would they allow her to pay the difference so she can keep her car?

It’s a nice car, she loves it and it’s been good to her, so she’s bummed about all of this and so am I. Neither of us have ever dealt with this, so I’m looking for any advice.

Thanks!