We live in strange times. Oregon experienced terrible fires in the last two years, which burned much of our forests. These fires spread into towns and cities, wiping out whole subdivisions. Thousands of homes and automobiles were damaged or destroyed. A shortage of contractors and materials has delayed the rebuilding of the homes. Insurance companies are understaffed to settle claims. The cost of materials skyrocketed, making it difficult to predict the final settlement. The State of Oregon extended the time insurers must pay because of this crisis.
With so many automobiles destroyed, the demand for new and used cars and trucks rose to all-time highs. With a rush to hire contractors, a need for pickup trucks forced prices upward and drained the supply. Parts to repair used vehicles are scarce and sometimes take months to order and ship. For the first time in the history of automobiles, cars are appreciating rather than depreciating.