Ontario Woman Rejects Insurance Offer, Demands Car Repair Instead
Advancements in automobile technology lead to rising instances of insurance companies classifying vehicles as total losses. This trend is particularly concerning for car owners, especially after minor accidents.
Ontario Woman Demands Car Repair Instead of Insurance Write-Off
In Mississauga, Ontario, a woman named Therea Bittan faced this dilemma when her 2011 BMW 328i was involved in a hit and run. After leaving her car parked in front of her bank, she returned to discover significant damage to her vehicle.
The Incident
Bittan discovered her car had been side-swiped, leaving extensive damage to the front fender. Shockingly, her insurance company suggested that her vehicle, which had recently undergone $10,000 in repairs and had 213,000 kilometers, should be written off.
Insurance Company Response
- Bittan was offered a settlement of $8,900, which she refused.
- She insisted on having her car repaired rather than accepting the write-off.
- Negotiations with her insurer lasted over two months.
“I need the car repaired so I can get on with my life,” Bittan stated, emphasizing that her vehicle was operational and could still be driven.
Understanding Insurance Write-Offs
The Automotive Industries Association of Canada revealed that cars are increasingly deemed total losses due to high repair costs and part availability. This trend is exacerbated by the complexity of modern safety systems equipped with cameras, radar, and sensors.
Industry Insights
With repair costs escalating and rental vehicle prices rising, the situation can be frustrating for drivers.
Conclusion
Fortunately for Bittan, her persistent efforts paid off, and she learned that her vehicle would be repaired instead of written off. “I’m so glad my car is being repaired. It’s a relief,” she expressed.
If you find yourself in a similar situation where your car has been deemed a total loss, consider negotiating the insurance offer or purchasing the vehicle back. Remember that if the car has a salvage title, it will require repairs and inspection before returning to the road.
