AmSnow.com is now SnoWest.com
Why they're for saleThe condition of the damaged snowmobiles can vary markedly from one sled to another. Their appearance will tell you that some are obviously "totaled," but others have suffered only minor damage.
"These snowmobiles are considered a total loss by the insurance companies, but that's based upon several factors," Peltier explains.
"For a snowmobile to be a total loss, the damage must exceed 60% of its actual cash value. A constructive total loss is where you consider the amount needed to fix the snowmobile, plus the salvage value. If that totals more than what the snowmobile is worth, it would be considered a constructive total loss. Therefore, we get quite a few snowmobiles that are considered a total loss because of scratches, dings and bent tunnels. But they are driveable."
Those damaged but fixable sleds constitute the bulk of the winter offerings at crashedtoys.com, and account for some lively bidding. Winning bidders can pick up their machines in person, or shipping arrangements can be made through a common carrier that works out of Stillwater.
One of the first lessons that sledders learn when buying new is how quickly snowmobiles lose value, whether damaged or not. Many of those receiving payment for a total loss are stunned by the difference.
"Remember that the insurance company pays what the actual cash value is at the time of the accident or theft," Peltier says. "For example, if you bought a brand new XC700 for $6,400 in November, the same sled might be selling for $5,200 in February. The insurance company isn't responsible for paying the $6,400 that you bought it for in November. They depreciate quickly, so don't expect that the insurance company will pay you the original amount."
Peltier's new career came out of his work in law enforcement, which included several seasons of snowmobile patrols with Minnesota's Washington County Sheriff's office.
While reporting and investigating snowmobile accidents and thefts, he naturally had some dealings with insurance companies, and discovered his niche. He retired from law enforcement in January, 2001, after 18 years as a deputy, and launched his business that September.
"My entire life, I've been around snowmobiles, motorcycles, ATV's and boats," Peltier says. "I was a Mercruiser and snowmobile mechanic for 20 years. I've raced dirt bikes, and still ride them, and I also enjoy snowmobiling." This is a man who's found his true calling.
What advice does Peltier have for would-be bidders and buyers of crashed snowmobiles?
"If you have no mechanical skills at all, don't bother bidding. If you are very particular about your things and don't like any scratches or dings, you may not want to bid on anything.
"However, if you are looking for a good deal and want to save some money on a snowmobile, this is a good resource for you. A lot of these snowmobiles you could ride immediately. … If you're looking for a machine to strictly part out, we often have those. Sometimes you can buy the whole snowmobile for less than you'd pay for the engine.
But remember, he says, "if you don't have the knowledge or skill to fix them, it may cost you more in the end because the labor to have someone else fix it for you may exceed what the snowmobile is worth!"