To the Editor:
The present auto insurance procedures are not fair to senior citizens that are over 65 years old. At present the auto insurance reimbursement procedure is based basically on the make, model and age of your vehicle. Some special additions may be considered. The procedure for totaling a vehicle is essentially the same with age of the vehicle being the prime consideration. But most seniors as they approach retirement purchase a new or relatively new vehicle which they usually keep for several years. In most cases they, especially those over 70, do not put nearly as many miles on the vehicles per year as they once did. As a result they tend to have vehicles that are older but with low mileage and in good condition. Thus the intrinsic value of the vehicle is much higher than that of the same vehicle with much higher mileage owned by a younger person. However, if involved in a relatively minor accident, whether their fault or not, the low mileage, good condition senior’s vehicle is totaled for the same value as the high mileage vehicle. This is truly not fair to the senior since their vehicle has far greater intrinsic value to them. Thus the repair/total value of the low mileage senior’s vehicle should be based on age plus mileage and condition. In other words the low mileage vehicle should not be totaled for the same value as the high mileage vehicle. The totaled value or the cost of the allowable repairs should be higher. It is not unusual for seniors to have low mileage vehicles that are 15 or more years old and in good condition that are far more valuable than that of the high mileage counterpart. At present a relatively minor fender bender that is easily and readily repaired will result in the older low mileage vehicle being totaled. In other words, the low mileage vehicle should have a greater “totaled” value. This would result in more low mileage vehicles being repaired or the higher totaled value will assist the senior in being able to purchase an equivalent vehicle. In such cases it would help senior citizens, who most often are on a fixed income, to be able to obtain replacement transportation.
If you are a senior and have a low mileage vehicle in good condition it is rather precarious for you to drive the vehicle because of often disrespectful ways a lot of people drive today and the probability of being in a fender bender and lose your mode of transportation. It is risky and can lead to financial difficulties.

J. Ronald Winter
Elizabethton