Negotiating with ICBC on total loss theft

Hi All,

A long story not shortened. My low-mileage (~180,000kms) '08 TRD Sport was stolen 2 weeks ago, recovered a week later. The thieves were quite entrepreneurial, having used my truck in a few B&E's (security video) then stole a used 18' boat/trailer plus a new 28' RV trailer (ironically, I know the RV owners). All were found in the same spot, evidence showing they'd spent 1-2 nights in the trailer. A cursory walk-around at the scene shows my truck needs a new rear bumper and 7-pin tow wiring plug replaced, so not a write-off if that's all. Evidence in the cab reveals without a doubt the thieves were crack/meth heads. Also, it's not likely they had the smarts or courtesy to shift it into 3rd gear when towing their loot up one of the steepest highways in BC (avg 10%, max 15% w/tight switchbacks).

So my concerns are:

1a/ Drug residue in the cab. As a norm I'm very healthy but have been sick (heavily congested, chills) since spending 5 minutes sorting through the cab. I've also been told by two local body shop managers the smell of crack fumes gets in the headliner/seats/etc, regardless of detailing it never comes out, and stinks insanely bad after the interior gets hot (so yeah, BC summers). No way do I want to expose my family to that shit.
https://www.applevalleynewsnow.com/...cle_675f8350-87fc-11ee-826b-c3e4c7047480.html

1b/ Drug residue in the cab. I live 10mins from the US border and travel across frequently, both for quick parcel pick-up and road trips. No effin' way do I want to risk getting popped by US Customs for a drug infraction.

2/ The engine and transmission. I have a teardrop trailer (~1600lbs loaded), always tow in 4th gear, and shift down to 3rd when going up steep hills. If I left it in 5th towing that minimal weight up local highways the engine/tranny would get FUBAR'd in no time.

So, in anticipation of a friendly chit-chat with ICBC I've been compiling both a list of aftermarket items the truck had/has (canopy was not recovered, $5300 new replacement value) plus comparable trucks (currently for sale + recently sold) on FB and AutoTrader. Does anyone have experience with a similar situation or can offer knowledgeable advice, particularly on how to negotiate the best outcome for myself?

A word of advice I can pass along from RCMP is to either remove or invert and lock a trailer hitch when not in use. There were several other trucks parked on our street, the RC's said mine was likely chosen because it had a hitch.

 

For 1/B.. keep your file number, and preferably the Business card from the mountie in your wallet or in your truck to provide to USBP or CBSA if asked about the smells and additional concerns.

From prior experience asking for a write-off often reduces the value of the truck, though! based on your concerns and based on the miles and age, I suspect it may not be hard to write that truck off. The value given will be the sticking point.