Forced to Rethink Next Build

I felt the need to start this post since writing off my 2017 TRD Sport, manual, 135,000kms odometer, by slamming into an Elk on the highway early morning on October 4th, 2020. -(FYI- Air bags DID NOT deploy, nor did ABS stop the tires from locking up) Crash bar was bent on driver’s side. I was lucky to have these lights to put on as soon as I hit the animal. I was on a bend in the highway and it was pitch black out.
Roadside Recovery Amber/Clear Strobes
https://youtu.be/xxpVqkbHBQ4

I went alone to BC for that weekend to go to the backcountry for some RnR and didn’t make it. Damage assessed at $30k
Elk got up and ran away. Tried tracking it but couldn’t find it.

I not only learned sooo much durning the whole insurance process but I had spent thousands of $$$$ in upgrades to the Sport “to make it how I wanted it”. Ever hear that mostly as your best option when considering your truck? Buy as cheap as you can or of course in line with your budget and over time make upgrades to make it something better.... Great plan, unless your doing that and you end up writing off the truck. Now you’re at the mercy of the insurance adjuster to recognize and respectfully value all that work you did to take your Sport and upgrade it to an OR or maybe even a Pro and beyond. Bottom line folks, you’re screwed if you’re like me being a contractor and have to have commercial insurance on the vehicle. I couldn’t have replacement value on upgrades. Also, if you didn’t buy the truck that way from the factory in the first place, your hard earn cash and efforts to make it super special in upgrades mean nothing when values are written up.

I was very fortunate however to get a valuation that’s works for me but I had to fight for it and the damage report had to go to two different adjusters to consider what I had done in upgrades to give me a bump in value. Long story short and dust settled, insurance settled the truck value @ $40,800CAD. I bought the truck for $41,141CAD! If you ever wondered if this truck retains its value, here’s proof. The adjuster only gave me 25% value for all my upgrades but Toyota got paid off and I got cash back for the next build. Claims adjuster said had I of had the OR/PRO model instead of trying to build one, the valuation would have recognized how it came from the factory, not what I ended up building.

I’m going all out this time and pre-ordered the 2021 TRD Pro, manual, magnetic grey. I have to wait 2 months I’m told. $55,000CAD ($42,000US)

 

Why you tried to track the elk?

 

Maybe he's responsible and didn't see the point in an animal suffering and could point the RCMP or similar organization to the animal ?

 

I had to stand out there for 2 hours before the tow truck came and it gave me something to do. I was curious after not seeing it in the ditch.The RCMP did want to know if the animal was near.

 

Talk to your insurance company (or a new one) about adding aftermarket coverage so you don't end up like that. Mine automatically includes $5000 in coverage for anything added to the truck.

 

I asked about that. I could have had total value new replacement if I had personal insurance on the truck but because I am a contractor I have commercial insurance and can’t get that coverage.

They did allow me the right to take off what I wanted and have them readjust their values for what I took.
I.E, they valued my rims and tires @$100. !!!! I took them off and put the factory ones back on.
My NFab sliders and steps/LineX coated, valued at $400, I took those off too

 

Glad you're ok and you can see the silver lining in this whole incident.

 

Sorry, that does suck, but good on you for sharing your first hand info,,, there's many around here that mod the hell out of their trucks, and should understand the risk they're taking,,,, especially if they choose not to carry additional coverage.
I learned this early on when crashing a motorcycle, it wasn't heavily modded and my insurance helped out a bit, so I didn't loose much,,, but gained knowledge.

 

Just had a similar situation 2 weeks ago, except it was a drunk driver instead of an elk and all airbags deployed. Insurance valued the truck very fairly ($29800 USD - 2015 sport DCLB 77k miles + $1960 for wheels/tires and 6112/5160 w/ leafs). They even waived the deductible since the other driver was at fault.

 

@CocaineAndCreatine that is the greatest name I have ever seen.

 

Glad that you made it out ok and were able to get the insurance to pay out for something like this, this thread might be useful for researching your next vehicle build: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/plate-bumpers-after-impact-with-pics.379600/

If you have Deer/Elk in your area the most sturdy metal bumpers are ARB.

Edit: @TacomaBeast67 Check this out

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNm-Smh_Cpk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SueKHq6xv8

 

Live and learn.

 

My advice for everyone buying a new vehicle is to put replacement insurance on it. I realize OP can't because he's a contractor...

This insurance for me is about $10 per month first first year and goes up slowly every year after that. I think by 5th year it's something like $25/month or so. Can't have it after 5 years is up. Anyways if you're ever written off you simply show insurance your bill of sale and they give you a full refund on the truck! Pretty sweet IMO.

 

Good luck with the next Beast! Now, if I could get a Moose to jump in front of me I could join the 3rd Gen club (but it’s hard when your top speed is 27 mph - they just laugh and walk to the other side of the road)