My car's been written off by insurance

mustmakealist · 29 December 2011 at 11:33PM

I'm pretty sure the car can't be repaired - it's a lot worse than just damaged panels. I don't think I would benefit by trying to get the claim cancelled

I have been told that I should be put back in the position I was before the accident. As far as I am concerned this means a car with roof bars and tow bar. I am not overly concerned about a few scrapes on the paintwork which was why I never got them repaired/touched up before.

Trebor16 · 30 December 2011 at 12:49AM

I think it will be difficult to claim for roof bars and tow bar on top of the value of the car, unless they were declared as accessories/modifications when you took out the policy.

mustmakealist · 17 January 2012 at 11:41PM

Just a quick note to update everyone who took the time to comment.

I've negotiated a settlement that was 40% above their initial offer. I (politely) stuck to my guns and asked to be put back in the position I was before the accident - To be able to drive a car with a towbar and roof bars.

There were no cars available as old as mine and with such a high mileage - at any price. Believe me, I looked! I had had mine serviced regularly and fairly recently had the cam belt replaced as I had no intention of replacing the car. If I had accepted their original offer I would have had to spend a considerable amount extra to get any sort of car of the same model and especially one with the towbar and roof rails.

Persistence paid off in the end and I got a figure I could settle for. I'm waiting for the cheque now and will then be of to get another car before the hire one goes back.

Thanks everyone for your comments and advice.