Car options after a write off

AlwaysPondering

Doshwaster wrote: »

Repair garage have just called with a repair estimate of £3000 and have passed it onto the insurance company for a decision, but it's sure to be an economic write-off.

I think I have managed to put myself off a shiny new car. I have been looking at insurance quotes and some are scary when you mention that you've just had a no fault claim. It hardly seems fair. The other party's insurance have admitted 100% liability but I'm being hit in the pocket with increased insurance premiums. Also, what with a new house, new mortgage and the current economy now is not the time to be committing myself to an extra £250 a month for a new set of wheels.

Just because the garage says it will cost 3 grand.. that will be to fix it all and make it all shiny and new looking.. What you want to do is have a chat to them about what actually needs doing.. if the bumper has scratches - who cares, if some of the panels have dents - again, if not too bad - who cares..

Remember if you buy that nice new car - like you say - is now really the time to commit to another £250 a month.. as you'll only cry when your new car gets its first dent in tesco car park..

Doshwaster

Well, the insurance company rang this morning and confirmed it is an economic write-off so I have been to the garage to say good bye (and recover the tax disk). I know I could look into getting it repaired myself cheaper than the insurance quote but the damage to the back was pretty significant.

At least I've talked myself out of getting a shiny new car (thanks for the MSE sanity check). It's a financial commitment I don't need at the moment, so what with the insurance money and some spare coins I have found down the back of the sofa I''m off to buy a cheap car.

AlwaysPondering

Doshwaster wrote: »

At least I've talked myself out of getting a shiny new car (thanks for the MSE sanity check). It's a financial commitment I don't need at the moment, so what with the insurance money and some spare coins I have found down the back of the sofa I''m off to buy a cheap car.

Guessing from your first post it won't be a french car?

dacouch

Is your own Insurance company paying the write off / repairs or is the money coming directly from the other Insurer

Doshwaster

AlwaysPondering wrote: »

Guessing from your first post it won't be a french car?

Too right. My last two cars have been French - great when they are working but they always have some quirky electrical surprise waiting for you.

reduceditem

Take your £2000 and get a good Corolla or Civic with low miles and service history.

Doshwaster

reduceditem wrote: »

Take your £2000 and get a good Corolla or Civic with low miles and service history.

I've finally settled at £2500 with the insurance company and I'm pretty pleased with that.

The insurance company said I could keep the courtesy car for another 7 days and they would charge it to the other party's insurance which, I thought, was reasonable. Then, this morning, the car hire company rang demanding their car back by the end of today. It then took me about an hour of phone tennis to get the insurance and hire companies to talk to each other and agree to the extended loan.

So, I'm taking this afternoon off to have a drive around town to see what I can find. It's so much easier shopping for a car when you have one to help you with the search.