Sierra down!

GPGuy · November 4, 2012

Sorry to see what happened to your truck but very happy everyone walked away fine. Trucks can be replaced, people can't.

Gurrzt · November 5, 2012

Correct, in BC there is only one primary insurance company, ICBC.

And yes, they are dealing with all the details. They have already assessed the other driver 100% at fault. They are having the truck towed to their yard on Monday, and will hopefully get in touch with me Tuesday regarding the decision. With what is damaged, fixing it would make the truck worth nothing in resale value, so yes, I am hoping they will assess it a write off.

I've printed out some ads of the same year SLTs as to replacement value. So if they do write it off, the next point of contention is what they're going to give me for it.

It will depend on the condition of the vehicle before the accident, plus how many miles are on the odometer. They will also subtract your collision deuctable from the payout amount.

brantjs · November 5, 2012

It will depend on the condition of the vehicle before the accident, plus how many miles are on the odometer. They will also subtract your collision deuctable from the payout amount.

Shouldn't have a collision deductible since the other driver was assessed at 100% fault. I don't know if it applies the same in BC but check out kbb.com and nada.com for additional values for your truck so they don't lowball you.

MikeNH · November 5, 2012

I am not an expert, and by looking at your pictures, I would say the vehicle is totalled. If your firewall is buckled, you do not want the vehicle repaired, for there is extensive frame damage.

In the U.S. most insurance companies consider the vehicle "totalled" if the air bags deploy.

Replacing a vehicle can be done, replacing a life can not.

1. A good bodyshop can repair frame damage depending on the severity just fine.

2. Deployed airbags don't mean shit, especially on a newer vehicle that still has value in it.

mc7719 · November 5, 2012

The truck was in top condition prior to the accident. Not a scratch, and no previous damage. I babied her. Odo was around 100K kms.

And as mentioned above, there's no deductible since the other party was at fault. They've been good so far, got me a 2012 Camry to drive around in the meantime.

MikeNH · November 5, 2012

That sucks about a single player for insurance, they probably rip everyone off. In the US there are probably a couple dozen major insurers and countless smaller ones.

Gurrzt · November 5, 2012

The truck was in top condition prior to the accident. Not a scratch, and no previous damage. I babied her. Odo was around 100K kms.

And as mentioned above, there's no deductible since the other party was at fault. They've been good so far, got me a 2012 Camry to drive around in the meantime.

Sir, I highly recommend that you go through your own insurance company. I do not know anything about the insurance industry in Canada, however I know in the U.S. you will get more satisfaction going through your own insurance, paying the collision deductable (which you will be paid back if not at fault), and letting them deal with the other persons insurance. If the calim is filed with the at fault parties insurance company, and you experience problems in dealing with them, YOU ARE ON YOUR OWN. By going through your insurance company you are assured of a payout, and subrigation where their legal staff deals with the other company to obtain the compensation. Your situation IS NOT A SIMPLE ACCIDENT, you are possibly dealing with a "total loss", you want to make sure you get fair compensation.

JMHO

mc7719 · November 5, 2012

Unfortunately in my province (BC) there is only the one company a 'crown corporation' that insures all vehicles. There a few other private companies that you can use for OPTIONAL insurance coverage, like glass, fire, theft, etc. but base insurance is ICBC.

It's been a contentious issue in this province for YEARS. we'll just see what happens first whether I get legal help or not. Should be hearing from them today or tomorrow once they view the truck.

mc7719 · November 7, 2012

Well today she was deemed a "total loss".

Next will come the negotiating of what she's worth. I went today to remove the remaining personal items, plus a few aftermarket accessories that I had installed. GM PAL, bluetooth VCIM, aftermarket brake control and weathertech mats.

'01LS1 · November 7, 2012

Well today she was deemed a "total loss".

Next will come the negotiating of what she's worth. I went today to remove the remaining personal items, plus a few aftermarket accessories that I had installed. GM PAL, bluetooth VCIM, aftermarket brake control and weathertech mats.

Are you thinking you are going to replace it with another current Sierra or wait (if possible) until the new ones are released?

mc7719 · November 7, 2012

I plan on using this opportunity to upgrade to a diesel. Preferably Silverado 2500, but.... A 2011 Dodge is making formidable competition...

SILVERADOSC540 · November 7, 2012

When negotiating value don't leave out anything. Your bug deflector, step bars, underhood tool box, lamp, etc. Then consider pulling items like your weathertech mats that you can sell. I hope that in the end this works out great for you. Totaled by a dodge, and you may now buy one. It's a mopar conspiracy...

mc7719 · November 7, 2012

Hahaha definitely a conspiracy. The tow truck that took her away was a Dodge too!

Thanks for the input. I have already stripped everything 'sellable' and have all my receipts for everything (even regular maintenance) in order. A dozen current ads for same-year SLTs, and even black book value sheet that a Dodge dealer printed out for me to present. All the material puts the value between 21-25k. (CAD) so guess we'll see.