Discussions

I'm looking for help and going to try to do my best to word this so it makes sense.  
 
About a week ago I was out shopping and came back to my car having been broken into - the damage to the back door is moderate from being tried open but I think it could be repaired. The problem is, it's a high mileage car with some pre-existing damage and it looks like they're planning on declaring it a write off. It still runs well and most of the body is in good shape. I just replaced brakes, battery, headlights and a couple of oil changes this past year. It's still a reliable vehicle!  
 
I can't afford to lose this car because of a damaged door - it's my only way around, to work, groceries, etc. But I don't know if there's any option to help pay for the damage to some extent, or another way to hold onto my car? I'm sitting here crying trying to figure out what to do.

It may not be the same now, but about 7-8 years ago I had a car written off by hail. They gave me 2 options, I could write it off and give it to them for X amount, or I could keep it and they would give me a lower amount and the car would obviously carry a lesser value due to the existing cosmetic damage. I chose the higher number and gave them the car personally.

you can not buy back your car anymore if they write it off. Withdraw your claim and get someone to fix the door so that it works . If it is too damaged try to shut it and lock it so it can not be used.

As stated withdraw the claim and keep driving the car. If damage is just to the door you can purchase one from an auto wrecker for $2-300 and have it installed. May not be same color.

I wouldn't suggest buying your car back after the total loss. It requires a body integrity and due to some changes to what's now required for one it might cost you a lot more than you think. Also there are very few places around that even do them. Would most likely have to find a place in Winnipeg. Is the door still working? Does it still latch? If it does then tell them you won't be proceeding with the claim right now. If the door does need to be replaced, stop in to a shop and see what the most cost effective option would be for you.

Attempted theft?

A couple of these comments have information that is incorrect or that may not pertain to your situation.  
You CAN still keep your vehicle and drive it after it is written off, and it DOESN'T always require a BIIC (Body Integrity Inspection Certificate), or even a regular COI (Certificate of Inspection).  
I suggest asking MPI about a "Salvage with Exception" write-off. This often applies to vehicles that aren't damaged by collision or rollover, etc. and therefore aren't necessarily mechanically or structurally unsafe.  
This was the case with my most recent write-off, and MPI paid me out for it (less the few hundred dollar salvage value) and I kept my car and drove it another year or so. No inspections were required.  
Also, be mindful of the initial value they attach to your vehicle. It is almost always radically out of line with reality. On my most recent claim, a $1200 offer from them more than doubled after I did a couple of hours of research.

The door doesn't still latch unfortunately, they bent the corner of it pretty good. Would I just drive to shops and show them the damage and ask for an estimate?

Yes, they know it was attempted theft as some items were taken.

I was told on the phone today that it would need to be inspected and safetied again if I wanted to keep it, which would cost a small fortune. They would give me a small amount of money, I would have to get it daftied or they would suspend registration.

I have 19 merits which gives me PL & PD at around $450. and I protect merits like I protect my money because that's what they save.  
Whether somebody stabs a tire or smashes my windshield or prys a door, I think: do I want to go for 20 merits and cheaper insurance on a 'clunker' or fight people trained to fight you who didn't do the nasty deed?  
There are 3 people involved here: you, the bad person and a trained professional at autopac and that's before mentioning going for 20.  
My opinion: eat it and drive on and save for the next one.  
PS a door beats a stabbed tire when they want to sell and install 2 on a 'clunker'.  
PPS#2 I look for cameras and get a short walk in. At Walmart, look for cameras, not close parking spots. There are restaurants close by.  
PPPS#3 people who drive around seeking close parking to Walmart and then head to a gym intrigue me. Don't ask why as I shake my head in wonder.

You can still buy back from mpi. If it’s second write off it can be bought back but not put on the road again. The body integrity that needs to be done on a collision write off is becoming very hard to find a shop that still will do them.