Photo credit: globalnews.ca
A couple from Calgary is in a contentious battle with their insurance provider over the repair of their vehicle, which suffered significant damage in a collision involving an Amazon delivery truck two years ago.
The incident occurred on February 19, 2023, in the New Brighton neighborhood of southeast Calgary. Amanda Avery, the owner of a 2015 Dodge Journey, recalls being alerted by a neighbor while she was in her basement about the accident. “We were initially thinking it was just a minor incident, like the mirror getting knocked off,” she said. “We had no idea how bad the damage really was.”
Security footage captured the moment when the Amazon delivery van appeared to lose control on an icy road, colliding with Avery’s parked vehicle. The force of the impact was substantial: the car was pushed eight feet from its original spot, causing chaos within the vehicle. “Our car seats and booster seats were thrown to the back,” Avery noted, describing the scene as “everything was shuffled around.” Following the crash, the Amazon driver reversed and left the scene.
Avery’s husband managed to catch up with the driver in a nearby cul-de-sac, after which the police were called to the scene. The Calgary Police Service later confirmed that the 36-year-old driver was charged with a hit-and-run offense.
Avery expressed deep frustration over the incident. “I felt violated. How can someone hit your vehicle and just drive away, leaving you with all this damage?” she said. The situation worsened as they struggled to get their vehicle repaired, with their insurance company, SGI CANADA, reluctant to cover the full scope of the costs associated with the damages.
The collision had caused extensive harm to the vehicle: the frame was damaged, a door jammed shut, a tire popped off, and damages extended beyond visible issues to the car’s underside. Despite the couple’s desire to write off the vehicle due to the severity of the damage, the insurance company insisted it could be repaired.
After spending over $9,000 in repairs, the couple believed their vehicle was finally fixed. However, during a subsequent service visit, they were informed of new, leaking issues that arose likely as a result of the accident. “When we found out, we were furious,” Avery said, with the mechanic estimating an additional $1,600 in repairs, which the insurance denied, citing it’s considered “bettering the vehicle.”
SGI CANADA responded by emphasizing their commitment to restoring vehicles to their pre-accident condition. They encouraged customers with concerns to reach out for resolution. Despite this assurance, Avery and her family found themselves footing the repair bills as further damages were discovered.
“We’re still dealing with ongoing issues two years later, and we’re out thousands of dollars,” she lamented. “It feels like insurance is just trying to close the case without addressing the real problems.”
Global News also contacted Amazon regarding the incident. A spokesperson explained that the delivery service uses independent third-party carriers and that the customers did not reach out to the relevant company after the incident, despite being provided with the proper contact details. However, he acknowledged the family’s frustration and expressed willingness to assist moving forward.
The couple remains determined, with Avery highlighting the stark reality of their situation: “There was nothing wrong with our vehicle before the accident,” she emphasized. As discussions with her insurance company continue, Avery expressed a strong desire for accountability and resolution, stating, “They want to close the case, and we’re saying absolutely not. This is far from over.”
Source
globalnews.ca