Procedures after an accident - write off

EdGasket

Another option is to see if the insurers will sell the car back to your friend i.e. let him keep it but with a lower payout. Then he can just repair it himself or have it repaired at his own expense. I've done that twice before but some insurers won't do it or want a high amount for letting the owner retain the car.

Bigphil1474

I had my car written off as a Cat D - it was a bit of a banger before, but still driveable afterwards. They deducted £23 from the pay out, so I used it for a couple of weeks then got a replacement and scrapped the banger for £60. Depends on whether you are happy driving a car that's a bit bashed up but otherwise road legal. The cosmetic damage will form part of the repair cost estimate, so if you aren't bothered about the cosmetic damage, then you'll probably be financially better off.

If they've assessed it, and its road worthy, and you're happy with the pay out, ask them how much to sell it back to you. As Ed says, you could still have the repairs done yourself.

GwylimT

Parkers and glass' give good valuations, also look at autotrader to find a good average price for the cars value.

I once had a car written off, I had a tyre blowout and hit a wall, I had bought the car seven months previously for £5500, the insurance (admiral) offer me £5100, this was higher than the valuations I had received and did enable me to buy like for like.