Car written off - what to do?

[Fahrns]

Hey folks,

So my brother wrote off his commuter car this evening. Slid into a curb that was hidden under snow and blew out the front tires and suspension. We're guessing it's a write off as the car was probably only worth $3K (90's Mazda Protege).

He doesn't have AMA and only has liability insurance on this car. Assuming that it's not worth repairing, what would be his best option to deal with the wreck?

1. Have it towed to wrecker? Auto parts yard? Somewhere else? Any suggestions?
2. Should he have it towed home and then have the kidney foundation pick it up? This will cost money for towing, but at least he can get a tax receipt for $50.

Thanks ahead of time for your suggestions.

[WhiteTiger]

You're basically at a loss for the tow cost of the vehicle. You may have a few options, though.

If the car is someplace it can be safely left (like in front of your house, etc) then you can call the kidney foundation and have them come and get it.

An option you may try is selling it to a junkyard/wrecker. Let them know they need to come and get it, and see if they are willing to knock the tow cost off your sale price. Some may bite, some may not.

[btimbit]

Post a pic, damage might not be as bad as you think. Can probably sell for a few hundred regardless

[Nyah]

If you know someone who has AMA, you can ask them to call in the tow. The owner of the car doesn't have to be a member. There just has to be someone there who is.

[undercoverbrother]

Originally Posted by Nyah

If you know someone who has AMA, you can ask them to call in the tow. The owner of the car doesn't have to be a member. There just has to be someone there who is.

Hmm, not sure how I feel about that.......

• I didn't know you could have you passenger call in.
• I am not sure I like the idea, seems counter to the concept of AMA roadside assistance.

[puckluck2]

Lots of guys will pick it up and give you money for it.

[Fahrns]

Sorry, no pics but I'm positive that it's not worth repairing. Just parts value now. Anybody have a recommendation who to call?

[Nyah]

Originally Posted by undercoverbrother

Hmm, not sure how I feel about that.......

• I didn't know you could have you passenger call in.
• I am not sure I like the idea, seems counter to the concept of AMA roadside assistance.

A couple years ago, my sisters car died in front of her house. I have AMA gold so I went to her house and we called AMA. The tow truck came, checked my card and towed her car to the shop. You don't need to be the owner of the car to use your AMA, you just need to be there with the owner when it's towed.

[Rathji]

Originally Posted by Nyah

A couple years ago, my sisters car died in front of her house. I have AMA gold so I went to her house and we called AMA. The tow truck came, checked my card and towed her car to the shop. You don't need to be the owner of the car to use your AMA, you just need to be there with the owner when it's towed.

I can confirm this. Had my car towed with someone else's AMA a few years ago.

[undercoverbrother]

Originally Posted by Nyah

A couple years ago, my sisters car died in front of her house. I have AMA gold so I went to her house and we called AMA. The tow truck came, checked my card and towed her car to the shop. You don't need to be the owner of the car to use your AMA, you just need to be there with the owner when it's towed.

Originally Posted by Rathji

I can confirm this. Had my car towed with someone else's AMA a few years ago.

So purchasing AMA is not useful, befriending an AMA member is......


I guess what bothers me is, does my rate go up because of people accessing the service, but never paying?

I will say that if a buddy asked me to do this for them, I would, and that is why I am conflicted.

[Rathji]

It has been like this for as long as I have been driving, so I assume that the rates are already set to account for it.

[undercoverbrother]

Originally Posted by Rathji

It has been like this for as long as I have been driving, so I assume that the rates are already set to account for it.

How do you account for the unknown member that give his card out to anyone?

[accord1999]

Originally Posted by undercoverbrother

How do you account for the unknown member that give his card out to anyone?

There's a limit to the number of service calls per year, plus they'll check ID.

[Hevishot]

Just call pick N pull I think they come pick them up for free.

[undercoverbrother]

Originally Posted by accord1999

There's a limit to the number of service calls per year, plus they'll check ID.

I know they check ID, we have covered that off. I didn't know there was a limited number of service calls per year.

Clears up the matter.

Thanks