Car written off, insurer wants documents!!

SS7781

My parked car was hit by an open back lorry / truck that was carrying a small crane. My car was a write off and Sheila's Wheels sent my cheque through yesterday.

They are now asking me to send them the log book, MOT certificate, Service history book and spare key.

I was in an accident 9 years ago (no fault of my own) and my car was written off then as well. My insurer at the time (Egg Insurance) did not ask for any documentation when writing my car off and I kept all the documents.

Why would Sheila's Wheels ask for all the documents when they told me it would cost more than the market value to repair my car therefore saying it is a 'total loss'?

Any help or advice will be appreciated.

nomoneytoday

Because it's now their car?

motorguy

nomoneytoday wrote: »

Because it's now their car?

Indeed

And they may well - in fact WILL - sell off the salvage.

O/P - why do you think you need "help" and "advice" on this? Surely its just a matter of you putting it in the post?

colino

As above, but when I had one written off and it had a vanity plate, they had no problem in helping me with the transfer at no extra cost before they took ownership.

Hintza

We bought the Panda back for 9% of the payout the other month (now Cat C), big hammer and a new headlight and it is back on the road.

force_ten

it is quite normal just send them what they want, if you have the service book with the dealer stamps in send them that but any service invoices or other bills or reciepts for work that have your details on keep them

send them spare keys, V5, and service log book

there was an article on the telly last week where a lady had here car stolen and she put in a claim to here insurer and they requested spare key V5 and service history and she could not find the spare keys

the insurance company refused to pay the claim as she could not supply the spare key, suggesting possible insurance fraud

jimjames

If you don't have the documents then let them know.

If you do have the documents and a full, documented service history with receipts then you should be able to negotiate the value up a bit.

When I had my car written off the value was increased by around £600 based on the service history and receipts despite it having massive mileage that would have otherwise given a far lower valuation.

OnanTheBarbarian

Presumably the OP is not wishing to retain the salvage?

If not, then just send them the stuff they require as it should not be an issue really should it? What use are some service books and keys to a car you no longer own?

InsideInsurance

As others say, they will sell your car and so obviously need these. V5 for transfer of ownership etc. Service history & MOT to confirm what you claimed it had and to pass it on to the salvage yard that buys it who will in turn pass it on if they return it to the road. Keys the same

Insurers use mainstream garages charging commercial labour rates and brand new, often branded parts, this costs a lot. A salvage yard uses employee salaries not commercial labour rates, often 2nd hand parts or even leave some damage in place. Their costs for fixing up the car are much smaller and given they've probably paid about 20% of the settlement price for the car then its often economical for them to return a Cat C or D to the road.

Cat A or B have to be broken so cannot be returned but still having an invoice to prove that the engine was serviced just two months ago or that the waterpump was replaced last week etc could add modest value to the parts for them to sell on

Strider590

Make sure you tell the DVLA its been scrapped, the insurance company will not and you WILL get an £80 fine (or whatever it is now) for not informing them.

DVLA scum.

OddballJamie

Strider590 wrote: »

Make sure you tell the DVLA its been scrapped, the insurance company will not and you WILL get an £80 fine (or whatever it is now) for not informing them.

DVLA scum.

OP doesn't state it's been scrapped, just written off.

If the damage isn't too bad it'll be back on the road soon as a repaired cat C/D.