Navigating the Aftermath of a Drunk Driving Incident: When Your Vehicle Is Totaled
Lately, I’ve found myself facing an unexpected and challenging situation. A few weeks ago, after returning home from work, I parked my car outside my house—just like I always do.
Within about ten minutes, a driver under the influence lost control and slammed into my vehicle’s rear, completely destroying the back end. I live in Minnesota, and my car is vital for my livelihood—I deliver wedding cakes as my primary means of income.
The driver was arrested at the scene, but since then, it’s been a uphill battle. His insurer, The General, has been uncooperative and refuses to communicate with me directly. Fortunately, my own insurance provider, State Farm, has been more responsive. However, I’ve encountered another problem: my insurance will only cover roughly 75% of my car’s current market value. This leaves me with approximately $4,000 remaining on my auto loan—an amount I cannot afford to pay out of pocket.
When I purchased the vehicle, I wasn’t aware of the importance of gap insurance, which might have helped cover the difference. Now, I find myself in a frustrating situation, questioning the fairness of having to pay for a total loss due to someone else’s reckless, drunk driving. Right now, affording a new vehicle isn’t feasible, and my job, which depends on my car, is at risk.
I’m reaching out—are there any options I might not be considering? Is there any way to navigate this predicament, or am I simply out of luck?
Any advice or guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Update:
Thanks to many of your insights, I now understand that my insurance is covering the vehicle’s current market value. Still, I wonder—does the fact that I recently replaced the tires make any difference in the payout? Honestly, I’m unsure about the specifics.
Your thoughts are welcome.
