Total Loss Without Consent

smitt

I was involved in a no-fault accident where someone reversed into me causing minor cosmetic damage o the front of my car. I've been dealing directly with the 3rd party's insurer (Admiral) and after an inspection they deemed the car was a Cat-C write off.

While trying to come to a deal for the value of the car, they informed me that they had placed the car on the DVLA register as a Cat-C write off. Because of this my insurers will no longer cover it without a new MOT and engineers report. Because I want to buy the salvage back off them they won't provide me with a hire car while we try to settle the claim. So I am now without a car to drive.

Basically the question I want to ask is; are the third party’s insurers allowed to write off my car without me accepting their offer?

Thanks.

foggytown

smitt wrote: »

I was involved in a no-fault accident where someone reversed into me causing minor cosmetic damage o the front of my car. I've been dealing directly with the 3rd party's insurer (Admiral) and after an inspection they deemed the car was a Cat-C write off.

While trying to come to a deal for the value of the car, they informed me that they had placed the car on the DVLA register as a Cat-C write off. Because of this my insurers will no longer cover it without a new MOT and engineers report. Because I want to buy the salvage back off them they won't provide me with a hire car while we try to settle the claim. So I am now without a car to drive.

Basically the question I want to ask is; are the third party’s insurers allowed to write off my car without me accepting their offer?

Thanks.

They certainly are not! Unless they had title to the car they had no business placing it on the register. And, by doing so, they have greatly increased problems with insurance.

What kind of car are we dealing with that can be written off with "minor cosmetic damage"?

raskazz

I think there have been crossed wires here.

I suspect that what they have actually done is pass the details of the total loss to MIAFTR (Motor Insurance Anti Fraud and Theft Register), which they are entitled to without title. However, if they have processed the V5 and sent it to the DVLA prior to your acceptance of the offer, then they have done something which they are not entitled to do.

Also, are you insurers saying that they will not cover the vehicle at all? That is unusual. Normally they will just reduce cover to third party only, then reinstate any FT/Comprehensive cover subject to a new MOT cert and satisfactory proof of repair.

smitt

It's an old Ford Fiesta. Slight dent in the bonnet, bumper coming away slightly and headlight misaligned. But repair cost came to just over the value of the car.

I didn't actually check whether I was still covered third party only, never crossed my mind,so thank you for pointing that out.

They did actually process the V5 so I spoke to someone a bit more senior in Admiral, who listened through my previous conversations with them. She admitted her employee was in the wrong and has now sorted out the situation.

Thanks.