Expert: Richard Hixenbaugh - 2/1/2010

Question
Hello, Thanks for fielding my question. I'm not sure what to do so this can't hurt.
I have a 97 saturn sl2. I was NEVER in any accidents or hit anything since i've owned this car (3 years), however the frame under the drivers side is completely cracked all the way through and hanging down 3-4 inches. The mechanic told me to buy a new car asap because it is dangerous to drive and if I hit a big enough bump, my transmission could come out. I still owe 3000 on this car, but I do have gap insurance.
I don't really know what to do about this, since I still owe on it.
I assume that I can't file a claim with my auto insurance since its not due to an accident, and I assume I can't use my GAP insurance, again because it was not due to an accident.

I've been told the damage to the frame is not repairable and I need a new car, but how can I afford a new one when I still owe on this one. Is there anything I can do about filing a claim or using my GAP insurance?

Answer
Hi Nicole,

This is a tough one. Unfortunately, since there was no accident you can not make a claim on either your auto insurance or your GAP insurance. Also the car is not currently worth what you owe on it and it is unsafe to drive.

As I see it there are only 2 options, either junk the car and take the loss or try to find a body shop or even a welding shop that will splice a piece of steel between the two sections of frame.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh