Bismarck Driver Paid for Jeep During Nine-Month Delay

A local resident faced thousands in costs for a vehicle that sat in a repair shop after a hit-and-run accident.

Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Auto Parts

Bismarck Driver Paid for Jeep During Nine-Month Delay

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Should manufacturers compensate customers for lease payments during long repair delays due to parts shortages?

In 2025, Savannah Gunsche leased a Jeep Wagoneer S that was later sidelined for nine months following a hit-and-run accident at Main Avenue and 5th Street in Bismarck. She incurred approximately $5,000 in lease and insurance payments while the vehicle remained at the Eide Chrysler Collision Center.

Why it matters

The dispute highlights the financial friction owners face during extended repair windows caused by supply chain shortages. It also underscores how manufacturer reimbursement policies often exclude vehicles damaged in accidents or those provided with temporary alternate transportation.

The vehicle spent nine months awaiting repairs at the Eide Chrysler Collision Center. During this time, the owner paid $5,000 in total lease and insurance costs while only receiving alternate transportation for two weeks.

The players

Savannah Gunsche

She is the customer who leased a Jeep Wagoneer S and subsequently dealt with a lengthy repair delay in Bismarck.

Stellantis

This is the multinational automotive corporation that manufactures Jeep vehicles and oversees financial reimbursement policies.

Eide Chrysler Collision Center

This is the Bismarck facility where the Jeep Wagoneer S remained for nine months while undergoing repairs.

The details

Parts shortages caused the repair process to stretch from September 2025 until June 2026. Stellantis denied a financial reimbursement claim, citing the nature of the accident and the two-week provision of a rental vehicle as justification for the decision.

Savannah Gunsche leased the Jeep Wagoneer S in 2025.
The vehicle was dropped off for repairs in September 2025.
The vehicle repair period concluded in June 2026.

Roadmap

The extended repair timeline underscores the persistent vulnerability of the modern automotive supply chain to prolonged parts shortages. This positions manufacturers in a difficult spot as they manage consumer expectations against the realities of global logistics and replacement part availability.

Drivers should review the specific terms of their lease agreements regarding reimbursement for extended repair periods during accidents. Being aware of rental car duration limits in collision policies can help mitigate out-of-pocket costs when parts shortages occur.

The takeaway

Vehicle owners should be prepared for potential repair delays and understand their manufacturer's reimbursement policies in advance. Keeping detailed records of communication with collision centers is essential if a dispute arises over unexpected costs.