The Violation of Auto Theft

We recently returned home from a business trip to find that our van (purchased used only weeks prior) had been stolen. It was eventually found, but sadly it had been taken for quite the joy ride. In the end, the van had to be written off and replaced.

One of the first questions people have asked us when they learn that our car had been stolen is: Don't you feel violated? Through out this ordeal, from the day we discovered the van stolen to the day we signed the final paper work to get our replacement van on the road, we felt very violated. We felt as though our trust had been shattered. We were crushed and angry.

The thing is, it wasn't because of the thieves.

Sure, we were frustrated, annoyed and inconvenienced by what was obviously a teen joy-ride. We've lived in the inner city for 3 years and, frankly, we were surprised it hadn't happened sooner. We knew moving in that there would be "risks".

So why, you might ask, do you feel violated? In a word: INSURANCE.

After 3 months of searching, we found a used van with an incredible body, interior, low mileage and, above all, an amazing engine for its age. We also felt we got a very good deal. However, despite all this and the fact that we had only owned the van for 3 weeks, the insurance company offered us half of what we paid, telling us that we could easily find a vehicle of equal quality & condition for the same price. I talked them up additional grand, still thousands short of what we paid.

To add insult to injury, in the weeks between when we reported the car stolen and finally signed a settlement, it was nearly impossible to contact our adjuster, who was curt, unkind and unhelpful. It is hard enough for people to deal with a major theft without being treated with disregard by the people being PAID to protect us.

So do we feel violated, used, betrayed? YES. By Manitoba Public Insurance.