smallish scrape allianze want to write it off

mojito

I am the legal owner was my point - they cant force me to write it off was the point I wanted to make.

InsideInsurance

No they cant force you to write it off but they are the ones that write it off not you.

Certainly if you want to pursue a claim then they certainly can notify the DVLA that the vehicle was involved in an incident and deemed to be a write off Class C or D irrespective of if you want them to or not

If you decided to withdraw the claim I have to admit that I am not sure what has to happen... obviously take the matter further and say it is a safety issue (ie cat A or then it does feel like they'd have a moral obligation to still inform the DVLA given it isnt road safe any more but if that translates into legislation or if it also applies to C, D & E I don't know. Never had a TP withdraw a claim post an engineer declaring their vehicle a total loss in all my years of claims handling

mojito

I might be happy for them to write it off if I can get a replacement that is of equal worth but its better the devil you know with cars and this one has been looked after - I know some of you know what I mean here, just set up for another year with her at least saving me hundreds year on year through the depreciation I would loose on a new one Honestly for a grand you just dont know what you would get at this price point better I keep this one going, a bit of tcut and I can live with it.

atrixblue.-MFR-.

the best thing about this scenario your in the driving seat when it comes to "offer" settlements.

a third party hit you, so you enforce to that insurer you wish to be put back to the situation you were in pre accident.

will it save money if written and kept?

it depends on the catagory, a cat D will require no VIC check a cat C will requiring you pay and pay to have it towed to a vosa VIC station after passing only then will the VIC marker come off the car untill then you wont be able to re-mot next year or sell it because a V5C wont be issued to the new owner otherwise.

then we have damage repaired used vehicle for part ex how much will it cost you in devalueation ontop of already depleated value so compare prices between a damage repaired focus of the same condition and mileage of yours and one that isnt classed as cat C or D.

then the cost of repair to the damage if you wished, small dent so a dent puller filler prep primer,paint,laquer,labour, PARTS? anywhere from £180-£500 on a private job.

i would take it to a body shop, ask the body shop how much would that area cost to repair, (they will ask private or insurance job) i would state that it would be private job and get a quote based on that, then pass this quote over to the insurers and say this is how much it will cost as a private job, will you pay ME this amount to have it done rather than writing it off? they may accept that and tell you that problems later on to do with the repair is down to you and no come back on them thats the end of the matter as they are concerned.

Mikey_Moos

Why dont you take a few photos, upload them to https://www.autobodycompare.com and get a private estimate for the damage? You might be surprised how cheap it is to repair!

mojito

Well I got a valuation of 1000 to scrap her or 750 to walk away but the issue is going to be it will get a tag of catC I'm not likely to ever sell the car and its a minor door dent and scrape so for some 'engineer' to come by and condem my car is another annoying legal facet of this country. I am not going to get my choice as the catC will be difficult to insure I feel.

I think everyone is saying to me scrap it.

InsideInsurance

Cat C just means it is a matter of economics, though a definite case of being more expensive than the vehicles worth rather than a D that is borderline or E that means it was written off after repairs were done.

Insuring it is not necessarily a major problem for a cat C though any future settlement for a total loss would be very low as its already been total lossed before

skivenov

Not sure I follow? Are they saying they'll write it off as a cat C for a grand, and charge you £250 if you want to keep it?

mojito

yes
a) I accept 1000 and they keep it and get scrap value
b) I accept 750 and pay for new mot and VIC (to know that its a proper car not two welded together after repair I imagine) AND try and get it insured which is the main issue with b ! Its at best a month without a car for myself also.

scenario c I just never bothered to do anything and accept the dent and paint accident as if the driver never owned up ! This in hindsight would be best route...as I get to use my car all year and scrap at end of year or keep it if no issues with mechanics

skivenov

On the face of it, take the salvage option MOT and VIC it seems the best action (£80 and a bit of running about, sees you a few hundred up).

You're supposed to show evidence of the car being repaired when you go for VIC, but when I took one, I had before and after piccies with me and they weren't botherred.

In reality, it goes down to your intentions for the car and your faith in it passing it's MOT, vs what you could get for £1000.

At risk of saying something that may sound stupid. Make sure your VIN numbers are in place and legible. Fords normally have a flap in the driver's footwell, you lift that up to see the VIN stamped on the floor. Catch is, they always end up with surface rust!