Car Written Off

miss_miggins

Someone smashed into my car 2 weeks ago ( their fault), and the repair bill will cost more than the car is worth. My car was very old(12 years) but well maintained and I really rely on it as I live in a rural area. My mechanic tells me that my insurance will probably only offer the value of the car. ( Probably around £100. However to buy the cheapest of servicable runarounds will cost me much more than that. Any advice?

TRADESIZE

thats an easy answer.

if your making a claim, they will no doubt write it off due to age.

that being the case wait for the offer then if your not happy register a complaint.

...tell them the FOS (financial Ombudsman Service) who you have the right to consult if your not happy demand insurers give you the average of the three indusrty guides parkers, cap, and glass's (these are the nam eof the guides), they need to adjust the value for mileage and the month of the accident. You'll probably be quite suprised as to the value - the need to give you the retail value. If its not your fault they shoukd also waive your exess.

see here about FOS point 5
http://www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk/publications/technical_notes/motor-valuation.html#5

here's an example
point 66/01
http://www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk/publications/ombudsman-news/66/66-vehicle_valuation_disputes.html

post a reply to let us know how you've got on

Gloomendoom

miss_miggins wrote: »

My car was very old(12 years)

Mine must be prehistoric! (45 years)

Mankysteve

What car was it? Have look in good parkers car guide for a guide price and try a few dealers to see how much it'd cost for a reasonable like for like replacement. That will give you a good idea of the extra value.

miss_miggins

Thanks every one, my car was a 1.8 1988 Vauxhaull Vectra, 5 door saloon, nothing fancy. I will try to find out how much it is worth.