Dieselgate, The Canadian Edition

[Smokin_Joe]

Hmm interesting. Provincial insurance; ICBC and they pay the shops here directly, you never seen $$ unless it's a write off.

ICBC is preparing to pay me out on the repair cost of my rear Dodge Bumper.{less the deductible}

 

[Divedeputy]

Ooooo... gotcha.

Of course, you can't credit the settlement for all of that... getting in the luckiest of accidents did a lot of the work

Imagine the car behind you hitting a foot to the left or right and destroying the wheel well and making the car undrivable... then you'd have to fix it in order to get the settlement...

Interesting topic. On my 500km drive to the dealership yesterday I was musing on having a 'fender bender' for precisely this purpose. However, no one wanted to crash into me so I ended up driving it back intact. Given more time a nice (not too fast) rear ender seems just the ticket.

.......now Boys!

 

[Divedeputy]

Congrats !!! Looks great...glad it went well for you. I hope I can be so lucky..

Probably missed this from an earlier post, what model setup is your '17 GSW? btw I'd be interested to hear your comments comparing it to the surrendered 2012.

 

[Divedeputy]

Congrats !!! Looks great...glad it went well for you. I hope I can be so lucky..

(posted to the wrong message)

 

[Divedeputy]

Well it's all over. From the time we entered the dealership until we had our cheque in hand was exactly 8 minutes.



Out with the old:



And in with the new:



The TDI was returned on winter steelies with 10 y.o. OEM VW Passat wheel covers that had broken clips. Reduced clutter in the garage

Dealer said the TDI would be going to the junkyard (aka "recycling").

Probably missed this from an earlier post, what model setup is your '17 GSW? btw I'd be interested to hear your comments comparing it to the surrendered 2012.

 

[icecoaster]

Hi TDI Club,
I'm looking for some legal opinion and some regular opinion on this situation.
This is in Ontario, Canada and all in CAD.
Our 2012 6MT GSW was rear-ended last week. The collision shop estimated $8500 in repairs. The adjuster has stated that the car is repairable and not a total loss and agreed to repairs at $8.5k. He also said the car would not be "branded". At this point I have put a hold on starting repairs and spoke to the adjuster about a cash settlement.
Our buyback offer is ~$20k including $5250 in punitive.
Everything I'm reading says I should be able to drive the car in to the dealer and take the full amount even though the trunk lid is pushed in and won't open and the bumper cover has been taken off for repair estimates. Mechanically nothing is wrong with the car. Tail light cover on one side is gone so you would get a ticket for broken tail light. That's it.
Is this possible to take the insurance money and the buyback and walk away with ~$28k? Sounds too good to be true.
Second question, would you do the buyback or get the car fixed and wait for an emissions fix? I just can't find anything like our car in the market for the same price range. (BMW 328d Wagon looks cool but $$$$).
Thanks for the help.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/6m95xtdf3tva62j/20170622_073130.jpg?dl=0

I just went through something similar. I was rear-ended last July. The extent of the damage is minor. Just a displaced bumper skin and some gouges. I reported it to the police and insurance since the guy who hit me was from out of province.

I took a wait and see approach because I thought the VW settlement was imminent and because I know I have 12 months to go through with the claim. Little did I know it would be almost that long before the settlement was umm... settled. I did get an initial, informal appraisal of the damage just so I knew what I was up against. It was $1800.00.

So in early May, I called my insurer and told them exactly what was up - that my car was going to be turned into VW and I didn't want to bother with fixing the car - please just give me cash. I was told, by two different claims adjusters that "this is not how it works.". One guy actually threatened to cancel my coverage. A true *** moment. I tried to reason with them - why fix the car when it's going to be crushed? I was willing to take a lesser amount than the appraised damage, saving the insurer some money. Win-win, right? Wrong, according to these adjusters.

Being a persistent SOB, I went up the foodchain. Finally, I spoke to a supervisor who admitted that yes, they do cash settlements with one caveat - it has to be under $2500 of damage.

So I went to a reputable body shop, got a formal quote ($1900) and forwarded that to the insurance company. Two weeks later, I received the cheque.

FWIW, I am also in Ontario.

Oh, and when I turned my car in, the claims administrator didn't even blink at the bumper damage.

 

[crashtested]

ICBC is preparing to pay me out on the repair cost of my rear Dodge Bumper.{less the deductible}

 

[llivingstone]

Being a persistent SOB, I went up the foodchain. Finally, I spoke to a supervisor who admitted that yes, they do cash settlements with one caveat - it has to be under $2500 of damage.

I just spoke to the adjuster at TD Meloche Monex and he has mentioned the $2500 limit for cash settlement as well. I explained the situation and am seeking an exception for the full repair cost. He admits that it would cost them less in the long run since they won't have to pay 3 weeks worth of our rental car but it might not work out. I will post any updates. If no exception on insurance settlement, then I'm going to get the car fixed and drive it another year. Take the punitive damages from VW and wait for the Gen1 emission fix. Then sell back if there is no fix w/warranty or the fix sucks.

 

[ecode]

I just spoke to the adjuster at TD Meloche Monex and he has mentioned the $2500 limit for cash settlement as well. I explained the situation and am seeking an exception for the full repair cost. He admits that it would cost them less in the long run since they won't have to pay 3 weeks worth of our rental car but it might not work out. I will post any updates. If no exception on insurance settlement, then I'm going to get the car fixed and drive it another year. Take the punitive damages from VW and wait for the Gen1 emission fix. Then sell back if there is no fix w/warranty or the fix sucks.

Review your insurance documentation to make sure that $2500 limit is in writing.

If not, give 'em hell.

 

[icecoaster]

I just spoke to the adjuster at TD Meloche Monex and he has mentioned the $2500 limit for cash settlement as well. I explained the situation and am seeking an exception for the full repair cost. He admits that it would cost them less in the long run since they won't have to pay 3 weeks worth of our rental car but it might not work out. I will post any updates. If no exception on insurance settlement, then I'm going to get the car fixed and drive it another year. Take the punitive damages from VW and wait for the Gen1 emission fix. Then sell back if there is no fix w/warranty or the fix sucks.

You wouldn't consider just taking the $2500 and walking away? I mean, it's basically free money. VW cannot deny your claim for accidental damage. As long as the car drives on its own power and has not been stripped, you will have no problem getting the cheque.

I did my buyback at Roselawn Motors in Burlington and the Claims Administrator could not have been more efficient and professional. Absolutely no BS.

 

[ecode]

You wouldn't consider just taking the $2500 and walking away? I mean, it's basically free money. VW cannot deny your claim for accidental damage. As long as the car drives on its own power and has not been stripped, you will have no problem getting the cheque.
I did my buyback at Roselawn Motors in Burlington and the Claims Administrator could not have been more efficient and professional. Absolutely no BS.

The buyback is a separate piece of this puzzle.

This is about the insurance company following through their obligation first...

 

[llivingstone]

You wouldn't consider just taking the $2500 and walking away? I mean, it's basically free money. VW cannot deny your claim for accidental damage. As long as the car drives on its own power and has not been stripped, you will have no problem getting the cheque.
I did my buyback at Roselawn Motors in Burlington and the Claims Administrator could not have been more efficient and professional. Absolutely no BS.

I would but an extra $2500 might not be enough to get me out of this car before finding out if there will be an emissions fix. I kind of like the one of a kind nature of the 6MT Diesel Wagon trifecta and I have extra wheels/tires and roof rack that won't easily transfer to just any other car. What else can you buy that comes close for the $14.5k in buyback value?

 

[icecoaster]

The buyback is a separate piece of this puzzle.
This is about the insurance company following through their obligation first...

Is their obligation to repair or replace your vehicle or make you whole monetarily? I'm not sure. If it's the latter, then it opens up the whole concept of diminished value. That's something that keeps insurance execs awake at night.

 

[icecoaster]

I would but an extra $2500 might not be enough to get me out of this car before finding out if there will be an emissions fix. I kind of like the one of a kind nature of the 6MT Diesel Wagon trifecta and I have extra wheels/tires and roof rack that won't easily transfer to just any other car. What else can you buy that comes close for the $14.5k in buyback value?

I hear you. The Subaru Forester is available as a manual and you could pick up a decent, low mileage 2012 for that kind of money. Of course, your fuel expenses go up considerably. But, it's a fun ride, especially with the XT turbo engine and manual transmission.

 

[PlaneCrazy]

Probably missed this from an earlier post, what model setup is your '17 GSW? btw I'd be interested to hear your comments comparing it to the surrendered 2012.

Trendline FWD, 5-sp manual, connectivity + package. Bone stock except for window tint and monster mats, and it will stay that way.

I've been driving a '16 Golf TSI hatchback for the last 45k km and I can honestly say I prefer this drivetrain over the TDI. The wagon should be no different except for more cargo capacity.

 

[Divedeputy]

I just went through something similar. I was rear-ended last July. The extent of the damage is minor. Just a displaced bumper skin and some gouges. I reported it to the police and insurance since the guy who hit me was from out of province.

I took a wait and see approach because I thought the VW settlement was imminent and because I know I have 12 months to go through with the claim. Little did I know it would be almost that long before the settlement was umm... settled. I did get an initial, informal appraisal of the damage just so I knew what I was up against. It was $1800.00.

So in early May, I called my insurer and told them exactly what was up - that my car was going to be turned into VW and I didn't want to bother with fixing the car - please just give me cash. I was told, by two different claims adjusters that "this is not how it works.". One guy actually threatened to cancel my coverage. A true *** moment. I tried to reason with them - why fix the car when it's going to be crushed? I was willing to take a lesser amount than the appraised damage, saving the insurer some money. Win-win, right? Wrong, according to these adjusters.

Being a persistent SOB, I went up the foodchain. Finally, I spoke to a supervisor who admitted that yes, they do cash settlements with one caveat - it has to be under $2500 of damage.

So I went to a reputable body shop, got a formal quote ($1900) and forwarded that to the insurance company. Two weeks later, I received the cheque.

FWIW, I am also in Ontario.

Oh, and when I turned my car in, the claims administrator didn't even blink at the bumper damage.

Lesson to be learned here is whenever a lowly fruitcake threatens to ruin your day don't even say goodbye, just hang up, then call back and ask for a supervisor.

 

[alexvtr]

Just wanted to share my early lease termination return experience.
Il took all of 15 minutes.
Absolutely no care given on scratches / bumps on the body or interior (I had a few).
I was also missing a hubcap and the guy couldn't care less.
All in all, a really smooth transaction.

 

[Divedeputy]

Trendline FWD, 5-sp manual, connectivity + package. Bone stock except for window tint and monster mats, and it will stay that way.

I've been driving a '16 Golf TSI hatchback for the last 45k km and I can honestly say I prefer this drivetrain over the TDI. The wagon should be no different except for more cargo capacity.

I'm finding a significant different with my GSW from driving the TDI Jetta: much more susceptible to wind, feels heavier, and a lot more quiet....pretty much a totally different driving experience. Loving the cargo space and the updated technology.

Traction Control is amazing and not just a feature for slippery conditions. I drove 500km home on wiggly secondary highways and into 40-60km gusting headwinds. With TC on the whole car just settled right down, couldn't believe it really.

 

[llivingstone]

Review your insurance documentation to make sure that $2500 limit is in writing.
If not, give 'em hell.

They have approved cash settlement of $8500. I guess we drive the car home and wait for the vehicle turn-in appointment and collect our VW money as well. The car isn't street legal without the turn signal so we'll probably just park it until then. Good thing we have an extra winter beater to drive in the meantime.

 

[ecode]

They have approved cash settlement of $8500. I guess we drive the car home and wait for the vehicle turn-in appointment and collect our VW money as well. The car isn't street legal without the turn signal so we'll probably just park it until then. Good thing we have an extra winter beater to drive in the meantime.

BOOM!!!

Love it when a plan comes together.

I also have a feeling that when push comes to shove, they don't have a leg to stand on when it comes to the amount that they've already confirmed as damages.

 

[Ricepoint Rejects]

Update:

I finally received my contract offer by email and it only took 48 days from when my documents were approved. Hooray!

It's for $50 more FMV than originally calculated which is great, however this contract is from the original claim I submitted and which was supposed to have been terminated 2 weeks ago when I started a new claim. The new claim had the FMV as $250 less than the original estimate. So now I'm wondering what new frustrations will arise from this?

My new 2017 GSW has been waiting for me for over a week already. Based on my reading here it takes 7 - 10 days from contract upload to phone call for return booking and then another minimum 25 day wait from there. During that time frame I will put on considerably more mileage than my monthly average due to trips for fishing and camping. Hopefully this doesn't further muddle my case which seems to have taken far longer than it should have already.

I hope to provide my next update in less than the 7 weeks it took me between steps 15 and 16. Congrats to those who have successfully completed the gauntlet and thanks again to all those who have contributed so much insight and information during this process.

 

[PlaneCrazy]

I'm finding a significant different with my GSW from driving the TDI Jetta: much more susceptible to wind, feels heavier, and a lot more quiet....pretty much a totally different driving experience. Loving the cargo space and the updated technology.

Traction Control is amazing and not just a feature for slippery conditions. I drove 500km home on wiggly secondary highways and into 40-60km gusting headwinds. With TC on the whole car just settled right down, couldn't believe it really.

On my own Golf hatch (my wife hasn't let me driver her new wagon yet ), I noticed the same thing when the car was new. But after a while, both the car and myself got used to each other and now it feels much like my previous Mk VI Golf. The steering response seems quicker in the Mk VII, and I think that initially leads to over-controlling until one gets used to it. I had the same issue when I went from a B5.5 Passat with hydraulic steering to a B6 Passat with electric steering. Eventually it settled down.

I don't know about the Golf but the B6 steering was supposed to be adaptive, that is, in a steady cross-wind or a heavy road crown it was supposed to trim out the constant correction required. Just like the trim on an airplane that trims out control forces to maintain a steady state

 

[amdsmokem]

Thought I was doing well. Forms submitted, approved, turn in appointment made. Checked the claims portal today. My vehicle value has decreased by 11,325.00 After contacting the claims rep., seems there was an input error, mileage incorrectly entered as 778,000 km instead of 78,000 km. Ticket started, waiting to hear back. Wonder if i should reschedule my turn in date?

 

[Lucsar]

Just wanted to share my early lease termination return experience.
Il took all of 15 minutes.
Absolutely no care given on scratches / bumps on the body or interior (I had a few).
I was also missing a hubcap and the guy couldn't care less.
All in all, a really smooth transaction.

Wow?? Unbelievable ... In the offer letter I got last week(early lease termination as well) they made it quite clear that the vehicle will be subject to usual end of lease inspection: wear and tear, over mileage , usual stuff. Maybe they don't care how it comes in and treating the cars like bought back TDI's ?

Glad it went well for you..

 

[Lucsar]

Thought I was doing well. Forms submitted, approved, turn in appointment made. Checked the claims portal today. My vehicle value has decreased by 11,325.00 After contacting the claims rep., seems there was an input error, mileage incorrectly entered as 778,000 km instead of 78,000 km. Ticket started, waiting to hear back. Wonder if i should reschedule my turn in date?

I guess I wasn't the only one with a mileage clusterf$&k. I was stuck at step 15 awaiting offer letter for what seemed forever; I had a gut feeling something was wrong so I called the VW help info line. Somehow my mileage was entered as 139,993 kms, not 38,993kms like it should have been. Really screwed me up cause I'm only allowed 100,000 kms in my lease. But gotta it all worked out thanks to a young lady who was very patient and helpful; she fixed it all up and got me my offer letter pronto...
Just awaiting my acceptance and appointment selection date.

 

[PlaneCrazy]

Wow?? Unbelievable ... In the offer letter I got last week(early lease termination as well) they made it quite clear that the vehicle will be subject to usual end of lease inspection: wear and tear, over mileage , usual stuff. Maybe they don't care how it comes in and treating the cars like bought back TDI's ?
Glad it went well for you..

I seem to recall that some of the earlier buyback folks were questioned about damage to their cars, any panels changed, any damage over $2k. Now nobody seems to get asked that. I know I was only asked for mileage to calculate FMV.

I suspect that someone in VW has taken the decision that all the 1st generation cars will be parted out or sent to the crusher. My dealer told me that it was going to the junkyard. My wife and I are still heartbroken about scrapping a perfectly good car, but such is life. We decided that taking the buyback made the most sense for us at this time.

 

[Divedeputy]

I seem to recall that some of the earlier buyback folks were questioned about damage to their cars, any panels changed, any damage over $2k. Now nobody seems to get asked that. I know I was only asked for mileage to calculate FMV.

I suspect that someone in VW has taken the decision that all the 1st generation cars will be parted out or sent to the crusher. My dealer told me that it was going to the junkyard. My wife and I are still heartbroken about scrapping a perfectly good car, but such is life. We decided that taking the buyback made the most sense for us at this time.

Feel the same way about scrapping a good car, especially when a stinker diesel pickup is in front of me.

 

[Divedeputy]

On my own Golf hatch (my wife hasn't let me driver her new wagon yet ), I noticed the same thing when the car was new. But after a while, both the car and myself got used to each other and now it feels much like my previous Mk VI Golf. The steering response seems quicker in the Mk VII, and I think that initially leads to over-controlling until one gets used to it. I had the same issue when I went from a B5.5 Passat with hydraulic steering to a B6 Passat with electric steering. Eventually it settled down.

I don't know about the Golf but the B6 steering was supposed to be adaptive, that is, in a steady cross-wind or a heavy road crown it was supposed to trim out the constant correction required. Just like the trim on an airplane that trims out control forces to maintain a steady state

All makes sense, I was a little tired on that 1,200 km day. Does your new wagon have the traction control on/off button? That setup really made a difference on the highway you describe above. Like most things it takes a while to get used to change, especially with vehicles.

 

[sbt007]

Question about the buyback appointment: I will be able to remove the license plates and keep them, right?

 

[dsldub]

Question about the buyback appointment: I will be able to remove the license plates and keep them, right?

If you live in Ontario, the plates belong to you, not the car, so, yes, someone (or yourself) will have to remove the plates for you to keep them.

You can reuse them on your next car you know? (I don't understand why people get new plates every time they change cars - government loves ya $$, unless they are in bad shape)