You’ve just stumbled upon the vehicle of your dreams. Everything seems perfect, even the price is attractive and fits your budget. It’s a dream come true!
But then you learn that it is actually a vehicle that has been in a serious accident!
Buying a severely damaged vehicle may seem like a good deal, but before you head to the checkout, it’s important to evaluate the other costs associated with purchasing a rebuilt car.
This is the case, among other things, with the cost of insurance premiums…
Why does buying a severely damaged vehicle increase insurance premiums?
Il existe plusieurs raisons qui expliquent que les assureurs augmentent le coût d’une prime d’assurance auto. La raison principale réside dans le fait que la provenance du véhicule ou de ses pièces ne puisse pas être parfaitement traçable.
The insurer will ask itself: is this a stolen car or one that has been reconditioned with stolen parts?
In 2022, Statistics Canada recorded 105,673 vehicle thefts across the country. Insurers therefore pay out considerable sums related to the theft of their customers’ vehicles.
Consequently, insurance companies take a risk when insuring a VGA; that of insuring a severely damaged vehicle, some parts of which may come from a stolen vehicle. Imagine if the stolen vehicles have already been claimed by the insurer…
Think carefully… In this scenario, the insurer pays twice if you have to make a claim.
Moreover, standard insurance premiums are already significantly impacted by the high rate of vehicle theft
each year.
The possibility of receiving additional claims related to previous defects, as well as the rapid depreciation of a severely damaged vehicle compared to a standard vehicle, also make insurers reluctant to insure a severely damaged vehicle.
Some insurers also believe that by refusing to insure vehicles that have been in serious accidents, they are reducing the value of stolen parts on the black market, thereby reducing the number of thefts.
What should I consider before buying a severely damaged vehicle
Bien avant d’acheter un véhicule gravement accidenté, réfléchissez au fait qu’il sera plus difficile de trouver un assureur.
As you can see, few insurance companies offer coverage for severely damaged vehicles. If you still wish to purchase one, we strongly advise you to consult your insurer or insurance broker before doing so to verify whether it is possible to insure the vehicle in question.
If you have already purchased a rebuilt vehicle, be sure to mention this to your insurer to avoid problems in the event of a claim.
By omitting this detail, your insurer could refuse to compensate you in the event of damage. Honesty always pays! Note that your annual car insurance costs will inevitably be higher.
And one last recommendation: request the vehicle history report from the SAAQ and a private company such as Carfax, Carproof, and Autocheck.
You can also have the vehicle inspected by a mechanic you trust. These two additional steps will help you make an informed decision.
Contact your independent insurance broker
Rappelez-vous que si vous éprouvez des difficultés à faire assurer un véhicule, pensez à AMR. Que ce soit pour un véhicule gravement accidenté ou si vous voulez obtenir une soumission, sachez qu’Assurances Multi-Risques s’occupera de votre dossier.
Another great way to save time and money is to call us!