Cat C write-off - Rejecting car valuation

OshayAway

How far apart are you on the valuation?

NurseMoneySaver1122

Ok so I've spoken to a 2nd assigned Engineer who has also sent me a "sort of" breakdown. Just to paint the picture for you guys, it said.....

Valuation Guide Starting Figure = £1375
Mileage = +£16 (as my mileage is lower than the guide apparently)
Condition Description = FAIR -£376

Pre-accident Value = £1015

So it appears that the thing causing the problem is their evaluation of the condition of my car being FAIR (with a deduction of £376 for such). I don't believe that my car is only FAIR condition for it's age (2001 X Reg), and plenty garages have also commented on its condition for its age (including the guy my insurance company sent to collect my car originally for repair!).

So basically, their reply stated that they believe the valuation to be fair, and they also enclosed a FOS leaflet.

So is this the stage I can now take it to the FOS if I still don't believe it to be fair?

OshayAway

Are these figures based on retail value or private sale?

Also, is there service history & mot? What sort of condition is the is the bodywork and interior in?

ILW

To be fair to them, on a 12 year old car virtually any dealer repair is not going to be economical. Generally if the repair is going to cost 50% of the car value it is not cosidered with it. The cost of spraying a single panel is around £3-400.

NurseMoneySaver1122

That's what my insurance company sent me as a breakdown, so it's based on the Valuation guide price.

I don't disagree with the valuation guide price, but I do disagree with the deduction for condition.

OshayAway

ILW wrote: »

To be fair to them, on a 12 year old car virtually any dealer repair is not going to be economical. Generally if the repair is going to cost 50% of the car value it is not cosidered with it. The cost of spraying a single panel is around £3-400.

If I understand the op correctly, I don't think it's the fact that the vehicle is deemed uneconomical to repair that's the problem but rather that valuation figure is too low.

NurseMoneySaver1122

OshayAway wrote: »

If I understand the op correctly, I don't think it's the fact that the vehicle is deemed uneconomical to repair that's the problem but rather that valuation figure is too low.

Completely correct

But just to clarify, the valuation guide price I agree with, it's the deductions for condition I'm disputing

Quentin

Fair means things like it may have tyres that are ready for replacement, may need a service, may need some paintwork putting right by a garage, may have rust that needs attention etc.

Ask him why it is fair and not good (as "plenty" garages have told you), and take it from his reply.

OshayAway

OshayAway wrote: »

If I understand the op correctly, I don't think it's the fact that the vehicle is deemed uneconomical to repair that's the problem but rather that valuation figure is too low.

Valuations vary by source i.e. how it's sold / who sells it. So, a car valued at say £1,500 if sold by a private individual may by £2,300 retail from a motor trader / dealer. Conversely, the 'trade in' valuation will be 'bottom book', that is, the lowest valuation.

Any valuation from CAP, Glass, Parkers etc will specify this. Even a free valuation here does so... http://www.whatcar.com/valuations

OshayAway

The reason I'm asking is that often (or always?!) the insurance company will try it on with a low figure based on the lower 'private' valuation rather than the 'dealer retail' valuation.

They are clearly wanting to payout as little as possible, you presumably want as much as possible.

If it goes to the FOS, they will base the valuation on retail price adjusting for condition and mileage.