Car Insurance Claim - What are my rights?

Wildone_4

Hi, This is my first ever post and I am hoping that someone may be able to offer some advice please.

Last week my partners car was reversed into by a neighbours work van as he was unable to see where he was going due to having lost his wing mirror earlier that day.

My partners car boot was completely caved in, the rear window smashed and rear side panel also damaged.

The insurance company states that the car is un-economical to repair and has offered my partner a measley amount of money for his vehicle.

He didn't want to purchase a new car before the accident as his car was in excellent condition, v.low mileage, went through the MOT days earlier having only failed because of something very very minor and now he has been forced into buying a new car and will probably have to put more money towards it to get something as reliable.

Initially he said that he wanted his car back in the condition it was last week and insisted they repair his car no matter what the costs, because that is what he pays his insurance for! The insurance company have said that they cannot do this. Is he within his rights?

If not what would happen if he does not wish to accept the money offered to him?

I would be grateful to you all for your advice on this matter.

LinasPilibaitisisbatman

Wildone wrote: »

Hi, This is my first ever post and I am hoping that someone may be able to offer some advice please.

Last week my partners car was reversed into by a neighbours work van as he was unable to see where he was going due to having lost his wing mirror earlier that day.

My partners car boot was completely caved in, the rear window smashed and rear side panel also damaged.

The insurance company states that the car is un-economical to repair and has offered my partner a measley amount of money for his vehicle.

He didn't want to purchase a new car before the accident as his car was in excellent condition, v.low mileage, went through the MOT days earlier having only failed because of something very very minor and now he has been forced into buying a new car and will probably have to put more money towards it to get something as reliable.

Initially he said that he wanted his car back in the condition it was last week and insisted they repair his car no matter what the costs, because that is what he pays his insurance for! The insurance company have said that they cannot do this. Is he within his rights?

If not what would happen if he does not wish to accept the money offered to him?

I would be grateful to you all for your advice on this matter.

No you cannot force them to repair it.

You are entitled to market value, if there value is less than this appeal and provide proof of your cars worth (i.e ads of similar cars)

If its repairable cheaper, ask them for a settlement figure retaining ownership and see if you can get it fixed for that price. If the damage is as bad as it sounds then that may not be possible.

What kind of car is it and what is their offer?

lisyloo

provide proof of your cars worth

Bear in mind that advertised prices are asking prices and not selling prices.
Most cars will be sold for a discount.
Having said that most insurers do make low offers.

So your options are
1) argue with them and get a more realistic value
2) look into getting repairs done more cheaply. A back street garage may be able to do equivalent repairs at a lower price. Could you get the car repaired on their money?

Icmeler

I think it would depend also on what salvage category the insurance comany deem the vehicle as if its a cat A or B then you wouldn't be able to keep the vehicle to do cheaper repairs.