‘Now We’re SOL:’ South Carolina Woman Goes to Midas for $50 Oil Change. The Car’s Deemed Totaled Immediately After

"This has been a nightmare!"

Photo by: AdobeStock

By: Chad Swiatecki

Aug 11, 2025 at 1:00pm ET

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A simple oil change at Midas turned into a nightmare for one family, leaving them without a car, facing a $2,000 debt, and receiving no help from the company. In a viral TikTok post, creator Coybean (@coyaaaaw) recounts how an oil change gone wrong led to the total loss of their car, leaving her family of five scrambling to balance work, school, and daily life with only one vehicle.

A Simple Mistake, Devastating Consequences

It all began with a routine oil change at a Midas location in Columbia, South Carolina. For Coybean and her family, it seemed like just another errand—something simple to maintain the family car and avoid future problems. But shortly after the oil change, the oil pressure light illuminated on the dashboard.

Concerned, they returned to Midas, where the manager explained that an oil line had not been properly clipped, and the new oil had never been added. Despite this clear error, Midas assured them the problem would be addressed at no cost.

Two days later, the car began making a troubling knocking noise—a sound no car owner ever wants to hear. This time, a third visit to Midas revealed the full extent of the damage: The engine was beyond repair. Midas’s insurance provider, Travelers Insurance, declared the car a total loss, leaving the family without a vehicle. What was once a minor inconvenience had now become a major disruption in their daily lives.

The family received a $10,000 payout from the insurance company. However, that amount was not enough to cover the remaining $12,000 balance on the car loan. Because they did not have GAP insurance—coverage that would have covered the difference between the car’s value and the loan balance—they were left with a $2,000 gap. Suddenly, the financial strain of a totaled vehicle, combined with the looming debt, added an unexpected layer of stress.

Guaranteed Asset Protection—or GAP—insurance, which covers the difference between a car’s value and the loan balance when it’s totaled, is especially important when financing a car. Consumers should verify that their auto insurance covers this gap to prevent such situations. Many people mistakenly assume they have GAP insurance, only to discover they don’t when they need it most.

For Coybean and her partner, this wasn’t just about a car. It was about being forced to juggle work, school, and family life with only one vehicle. The family’s life had been disrupted in ways they never anticipated, and despite their efforts to work with Midas and Travelers Insurance, they felt abandoned by both.

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Know Your Rights and Legal Protections

The family’s frustration grew as Midas and the insurer passed responsibility back and forth. Midas’s corporate office refused to offer any further assistance once the insurance claim was filed, leaving the family with a totaled car and an unresolved $2,000 balance. In many cases like this, service providers may argue that once insurance is involved, they are no longer liable for further compensation. However, this response doesn’t necessarily hold up in all cases.

Consumers have rights when it comes to service errors, especially when those errors cause financial harm. In situations like this, pursuing legal recourse may be an option. The family considered taking Midas to court for negligence, which could help recover the remaining balance or any other related losses, such as costs associated with Uber rides and the emotional distress caused by the situation.

There are some basic options for consumers who feel they’ve been a victim of negligence or other wrongdoing:

Negligence Claims: If a service provider’s mistake causes damage to your property (like your vehicle), you may have grounds for a negligence claim. The key to a successful claim is proving that the service provider owed you a duty of care, that they breached that duty, and that the breach resulted in harm or loss.
Demand Letters: Before pursuing a formal lawsuit, consumers can send a demand letter to the company outlining the damages and requesting compensation. This often serves as a final warning before taking legal action.
Small Claims Court: For damages below a certain threshold (usually between $2,500 and $15,000, depending on your state), small claims court offers a less formal and more affordable way to resolve disputes. In this case, the $2,000 gap could qualify for small claims court in many jurisdictions.

If you believe you have a case against a service provider for negligence or breach of contract, consult with a lawyer specializing in consumer protection law. There are plenty of sites that provide free legal advice, which can help you determine if you have a valid claim.

Protecting Yourself as a Consumer

While the family’s situation was unfortunate, it provided valuable lessons for others. Here’s how you can protect yourself when using service providers like Midas:

Always Review Service Terms and Warranties: When you get a service, especially one as critical as an oil change or engine repair, ask for a clear breakdown of what is being done and if there are any warranties or guarantees attached.
Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with your rights as a consumer. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and your state’s consumer protection agency can provide resources on how to handle disputes with service providers.
Use a Trusted Service Provider: When choosing a service provider, check reviews, ask for recommendations, and consider whether the company has a track record of customer service and accountability.
Ensure Proper Insurance Coverage: If you’re financing a car, make sure you have GAP insurance and fully understand what it covers. This will protect you in case of accidents or service errors.

Motor1 reached out to the creator via direct message and to Midas corporate via online feedback form. We'll update this article if either responds.