Car insurance settlement

vikster2_2000

Hi,

My car was written off about a week and a half ago, on Thursday I recieved a settlement check, which I wish to negotiate. I have been reading up on this, and I understand I need to write a cover/demand letter and send the insurance company car values of cars currently being sold which are similar to the the car that's been written off.
I was just wondering if anyone could advise me or know of anywhere that could advise me on how to write this letter?

Thank You

Oscar_The_Grouch

Dear Sir,

I have received your cheque in settlement of my claim and wish to dispute the amount. I do not feel that you have accurately valued my vehicle.

My car was a (list the make, model and details of any optional extras such as climate control or air con, cruise control, auto gearbox, sunroof, upgraded sterio) and I believe that prior to the accident it was in excellent condition. I feel that the offer you have made to me does not take into account the true cost to replace such a car.

I have reviewed the following websites (and actually do this, as you will need to quote the values they give):

Website ........................................... Value
http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/prices/# . £x,xxx (free to use - list "franchise" price)
http://www.whatcar.com/valuations ...... £x,xxx (free to use - list "dealer" price)
http://www.glass.co.uk/index.php ......... £x,xxx (£3.50 - see below)

(Glass's Guide is the industry standard and used by the FOS, but it will cost you £3.50 to use it. I suggest that if you are happy with the prices from Parker's and What Car, you don't bother with Glass's)

You will be aware that the Financial Ombudsman Service do not feel that local car advertisements lend a great deal of weight to the valuation of cars, so I have not wasted your or my time in this kind of research. I do, however, expect you to justify why you feel your offer of settlement is acceptable when the above examples clearly show your suggestion to be wholely inadequate. I am aware that Parker's use actual sale prices in their valuations rather than forecourt asking price, so please don't insult me by suggesting otherwise.

I look forward to hearing from you within 7 days and would ask that you treat this as a formal sign of dissatisfaction and letter of complaint.

(Set the title of the letter as "Claim Number: XXXX Complaint about valuation". Send the letter by recorded delivery so that you have proof of issue and receipt. Give them a week from when they receive the letter to either phone or write to you with an acknowledgement and if you hear nothing, give them a call. I don't think you will have any problems)

Anihilator

Op can you confirm the offer made, and full details of your car including make, model, mileage, spec and options and general condition.

vikster2_2000

Thank you for your help