CX-3 Update

"CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever" (carsoffortlangley) 08/30/2019 at 11:10 • Filed to: None

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I attended what our government insurer calls the CEF or the Central Estimating Facility (communist name kinda fits). I was allowed to go over the vehicle inside and out with an estimator who informed me that, in his opinion, it was not going to be written off. !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! .

The official estimate (based off cosmetics only) is still outstanding, but it is time to set out my view on things. As a current claims adjuster and previous “claims advocate” (professional beggar) you just want to ensure they know your position and you are not going away while trying not to look like a mental case.

I wrote this email to my adjuster:

“Hi (redacted),

I attended the CEF and spoke with the estimator today. I also gained access to the interior of the vehicle and it smells very strongly of smoke (as expected) and shows evidence of extreme use and corresponding damage. It appears that it may have been used in the theft and transportation of a large, heavy item or items.

Although the Audatex estimate has not been completed, it is clear that the estimator’s initial opinion is that the vehicle is repairable based just off of the cosmetic damage.

While I will wait for the official Audatex dollar estimate to come in before considering further options, I’d like to point out the following and request it be sent to both the CEF estimator team lead and your adjusting team lead. Note that we would have this vehicle inspected, at my expense, for mechanical damage prior to cosmetic work beginning and pursue ICBC for reimbursement.

All front panels are severely misaligned. Supplemental repair expenses are highly likely. Subframe damage and mechanical damage are quite likely. Reprogramming of vehicle including two new keys from Mazda will need to be included if repaired. We also are concerned about the impact on the remaining warranty (5-year, unlimited kilometer) that this theft and resultant damage/repairs may have. Based on the likely presence of mechanical damage, heavy cosmetic/structural damage to the front of the vehicle and heavy cosmetic damage to the remainder of the exterior and interior of the vehicle, this vehicle would be better suited to a salvage and/or rebuilt title than a “clean” title with a substantial amount of repair and a theft declaration. If the vehicle is rebuilt and returned to us, we will immediately resell and pursue ICBC for the accelerated depreciation (ACV less sale amount). Our Roadstar Plus LOU has elapsed. Further delays will cause further financial losses. As a purchaser of Roadstar Plus, we expect that ICBC would act in good faith to expedite the settlement process to minimize financial loss to the insured by theft as intended by the Roadstar Plus Optional coverage. Further delays will cause our remaining LOU from the basic theft coverage to elapse causing substantial financial loss. From my inquiry to dial a claim this morning, I already am aware that the estimation process is behind ICBC’s own internal CEF estimation queue times. We have always placed our optional business with ICBC due to a perception of competitiveness with private insurers. In 2018, we spent $7,298.40 across our three vehicles with ICBC including basic (my truck’s optional cover is placed privately). Assuming and subtracting $1200 per year per car for basic rates, that leaves $4898.40 in optional premium to ICBC in 2018 alone. We will be reviewing our optional provider based on a mid-September renewal. We expect that ICBC, as they look to continue remaining competitive in this space, adopt and maintain settlement guidelines and service similar to a private provider.

I trust that ICBC will take all financial factors into consideration before making a decision on the viability of repairing this vehicle, I believe the ACV to be $25,500 based on the spreadsheet previously sent (and re-attached to this email). I believe that this will fall within the Autosource ACV range.

As an adjuster, I wouldn’t expect or ask for anything that I wouldn’t offer to an insured or a third party as fair settlement on a total loss. As car enthusiast, driving enthusiast and detailing enthusiast !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , maintaining the interior/exterior cleanliness at all times as well as caring for the physical health of the interior/exterior materials. All four vehicles are in perfect condition despite one being 34 years old and another having 120,000km.

I look forward to working with ICBC towards a fair and equitable settlement.”

So yeah. That’s where we are at 3 weeks since the vehicle was stolen and still in limbo.

Now for the interior photos, this is the most visible stuff, some other broken or scuffed pieces exist. I washed/detailed this hours before it was stolen.

Also, blood and white liquid on the passenger seat. Fantastic. I think the spots are from blood that has seeped into the suede.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 08/30/2019 at 00:13

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Pardon my French, but fuck that thing. I can't see your wife ever wanting to sit in that seat again. Nevermind the repairs that will never be done properly... And an interior that can't be unfucked. Blood on the seat? Damned biohazard.

gettingoldercarguy > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 08/30/2019 at 00:14

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Call them to repair every single fucking thing.

CB > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 08/30/2019 at 00:16

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I’d argue about that seat being a huge biohazard issue. No way in hell would I want to risk getting Hep C or any transmittable disease from my vehicle.

But seriously, insurance not paying out is so bogus at this point.

Chariotoflove > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 08/30/2019 at 00:17

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That is revolting. How could anyone look you in the face and expect you to sit in that again?

I like your letter. I think it hit all the right points in the right tone. 

Goggles Pizzano > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 08/30/2019 at 00:25

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That looks awful. I can understand ICBC taking the stance they have though. It would be easy to assume the interior was in that condition before it was stolen. You know, dirty humans and all .

And they’d take that stance until they saw it wasn’t going to be that easy for them. Your email...

Bad news, but it could be worse. Like you said, still in limbo. Chin up.

Svend > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 08/30/2019 at 00:28

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Fingers crossed the letter does good and you can put the matter and the Mazda behind you. 

BlueMazda2 - Blesses the rains down in Africa, Purveyor of BMW Individual Arctic Metallic, Merci Twingo > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 08/30/2019 at 00:32

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I’ve been sitting here for the past 10 minutes trying to write a response to what I’m seeing, but I’m simultaneously too mad and disgusted by what you’ve gone through  to think how I want to go about this.

wafflesnfalafel > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 08/30/2019 at 00:55

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yep - time to make a few people’s lives a little more difficult.  Give them f’n hell.

Nick Has an Exocet > CB 08/30/2019 at 00:58

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Second on the biohazard. That’s a seat replacement and a UV light for more blood.

phenotyp > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 08/30/2019 at 01:25

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Holy shit, dude. I have no idea how any reasonable insurer would consider this repairable to a reasonable standard.

Fight the good fight. 

AdverseMartyr > Nick Has an Exocet 08/30/2019 at 03:10

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Uhm, yeah. That at a minimum. I think I’d be insisting on an all new interior if blood has been found on the seat. Who knows where else it landed as well. The carpet should definitely be replaced since it would be easy for it to get there as well.

AdverseMartyr > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 08/30/2019 at 03:14

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I’m curious, what about if it has potentially had drugs in it? Aren’t some drugs dangerous to just come in contact with physically? How can they guarantee there are no trace amounts of drugs? was it cleared of that possibility by police?

AestheticsInMotion > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 08/30/2019 at 04:29

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Wow. That better get written off.

On a slightly happier note, what a beautifully put t ogether letter. Remind me to talk to you if I'm ever needing to get something from insurance 

Future Heap Owner > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 08/30/2019 at 04:47

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Oof man, I hope your letter does the trick. That looks rough.

TheTurbochargedSquirrel > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 08/30/2019 at 06:54

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How the hell do you make that big of a mess that quickly? I know people who never bother to clean the interior of their cars and they don’t get nearly this bad.

Arrivederci > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 08/30/2019 at 08:08

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Great letter. I’m actually copying it for future use (hoping I never need it).

I think you hit all the right points in a very matter of fact fashion - I’d honestly be surprised if they don’t total it out.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > AdverseMartyr 08/30/2019 at 08:23

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It was swept by a "biohazard team" (dude with a bottle of Lysol)

Sammyno55 > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 08/30/2019 at 08:32

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I couldn't even stand to zoom in on those interior shots. How do people do that? I bought a car last year that had sat under a tree for 4 years and at one point had a snake and a field mouse inside it. It wasn't as bad as your Mazda. 

mazda616 > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 08/30/2019 at 08:32

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Lol @ them deeming that “repairable.” I mean, anything is “repairable” if you want to sink more time and money into it than it’s worth. Seems to be it’d be easier for them to write it off than fight about it. I’m surprised they didn’t just do that to start with. That’s a lot of damage and work to be done.

I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 08/30/2019 at 09:08

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Jeez, I didn’t know about the blood on the interior. This whole thing sucks so much.

(this is crime but maybe sneak on to the lot and have at it with a sledge) (don’t actually do that)

haveacarortwoorthree2 > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 08/30/2019 at 09:26

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Car insurers suck. Wh en my 66 Mustang got totaled, they lowballed me on the price and claimed it had 100k more miles than when I had purchased it 16 months prior (when all I wanted was for them to give me what I paid for the car) . It took me rounding up comparables and pointing our their mileage figure would have had be commuting from Dallas to Austin every working day for a year to do that. Not deterred by that experience, they then attempted to lowball my PI claim and not pay for the scar revision surgery since my forehead was busted open in the accident (look away, I’m hideous). In both instances they ended up paying substantially more than if they had been fair with their initial offer. Yes, I am a vindictive bastard. 

razorbeamteam > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 08/30/2019 at 09:32

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Through this whole saga, I’ve read your articles thinking “man there’s no way its not totaled.” I thought you were just being paranoid tbh. I am truly shocked that they think the car can be repaired to it s prior state for a reasonable amount of money. Kudos to you for remaining professional. I’m sure they deal with a lot of dinguses who just rant and holler at them when things don’t go their way. Hopefully justice will prevail for you. If not, I’d suggest some heavy duty plastic seat covers...

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 08/30/2019 at 10:08

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How to safely drive the mazda from now on.

vondon302 > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 08/30/2019 at 11:18

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Wow just wow.

Nice letter hope it works.

Michael > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 08/30/2019 at 11:24

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CoFL if insurance “repairs” it:

“Is it totalled now”?

CRV, because no googles for “CX-3 on fire”

PS9 > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 08/30/2019 at 11:24

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Did the shitbags who did this get arrested?

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > PS9 08/30/2019 at 11:25

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No.  No investigation other than obtaining the video footage was done.  Which I get.

PS9 > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 08/30/2019 at 11:26

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Fuckin’ car thieves. 

ShrimpHappens, née WJalopy > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 08/30/2019 at 11:40

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1) Your insurance premiums are astounding.

2) If it were my car, I’d want the same. But through the lens of an insurance company, that all looks very cleanable.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > ShrimpHappens, née WJalopy 08/30/2019 at 11:49

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1) Most expensive in North America baby!

2) I am the lens.  I understand it’s on the line, but we’re trying to push it over the line.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > ShrimpHappens, née WJalopy 08/30/2019 at 11:57

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Did you see the exterior damage post?

https://oppositelock.kinja.com/fuck-aka-thats-not-going-to-buff-out-1837491124

arl > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 08/30/2019 at 11:59

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Not what disgusts me the most here

- The scumbags who stole your car

- The condition of the car

- The scumbags at the insurance company.

Good luck - great letter!

benjrblant > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 08/30/2019 at 12:13

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Dang, so sorry about all of this. It’s unfortunate the headache and financial burden that someone’s joyride is costing you.

On a different note, i f I ever have a claim, c an I pay you to write a letter for me?

ShrimpHappens, née WJalopy > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 08/30/2019 at 12:18

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Yes. The suspension stuff is gnarly. Again, if it were my car I’d def want it totaled.

vicali > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 08/30/2019 at 12:20

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Yikes, hoping for the best.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 08/30/2019 at 12:49

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That’s a great letter. Factual and stern without being rude or angry. Hope this shit gets put to rest for you soon! 

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > benjrblant 08/30/2019 at 13:25

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You could! lol

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 08/30/2019 at 13:32

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If they can truly fix everything then they might as well go ahead. But I seriously doubt they can fix it properly for what they think it will cost. Just keep arguing the cost, eventually they are bound to total it just because of that fact. Do not accept anything other than a perfect fix. 

The Ghost of Oppo > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 08/30/2019 at 14:16

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I see a finger print on the sunglass holder door

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > The Ghost of Oppo 08/30/2019 at 14:23

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Trust me, as far as the RCMP are concerned, this is case closed.

The Ghost of Oppo > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 08/30/2019 at 14:38

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You should have told them it was stolen by a maple syrup bootlegging ring.  I know that would get their attention 

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 08/30/2019 at 22:16

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Did a soup kitchen take place inside?

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 08/30/2019 at 22:24

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Probably man. Not a good thought

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 08/30/2019 at 22:29

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Damn, Dirty Mike gets around. 

NojustNo > Sammyno55 08/30/2019 at 23:35

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We we must buy cars from the same people LOL

pip bip - choose Corrour > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 08/31/2019 at 06:39

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as your wife is a police officer, can she get some swabs taken to see if drug contamination?

AdverseMartyr > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 08/31/2019 at 09:07

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Right, that air freshe ner kills 99.9% of germs. That’s the main cause of concern for you, the fact that they might not have washed there hands, or left some raw meat out a little to long. Still irritated on your behalf.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > pip bip - choose Corrour 08/31/2019 at 09:38

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Unfortunately, my wife isn’t an officer. Victim Services is a civilian unit in Canada (as far as I know). So no access to stuff like that.

M.T. Blake > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 08/31/2019 at 11:42

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Take a forklift , pick it up, and drop it really hard.