Negotiating with insurers.

Hoof_Hearted

I am pretty sure my car will be written off after being rear-ended this morning. If this is the case, I want to be prepared. The cheapest similar car on Autotrader is £3,285, although it also has metallic paint. Other similar ones go up to £4,500. It's a 57 Jazz with 69K on the clock.

What do you think would be a fair offer?

forgotmyname

How does it compare to the 2007 models that start at £2000. I can see that as their starting offer.

glentoran99

What and see if its written off first, insurers seem to be repairing more and more

Hoof_Hearted

forgotmyname wrote: »

How does it compare to the 2007 models that start at £2000. I can see that as their starting offer.

Most of the cheaper ones are 1.2 lower spec models. WBAC say £2,500.

forgotmyname

So thats an idea of where they are going to start. You just need to be prepared with a list of vehicles for sale at higher prices and say but my car has xx and that one doesnt. Or the mileage is more or the service history isnt as good.

Anything that puts your car in a better light.

InsideInsurance

The ombudsman advice is:

http://www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk/publications/technical_notes/motor-valuation.html

Hoof_Hearted

Thank you. That is incredibly helpful.

straighttalker

Are you approaching your own Insurers or the third party insurers (who hit you) with regards the write off/repair inspection of your car?

Given that it's a rear end shunt, liability shouldn't be an issue and you can approach the third party insurers directly. They would be more inclined to settle at a reasonable figure to avoid prolonging the claim, which would cost them more money and increase the chances of you getting a hire car which would increase their costs further.

Alternatively, try an accident management company. I know their use is sometimes frowned upon but if you choose a good one, they have their own engineers which will value your car and produce a valuation report which will be pursued on your behalf. They will also be able to pursue any other claim for uninsured losses or personal injury.

Hoof_Hearted

I am not interested in screwing the maximum out of the claim. I have slight injuries and nothing was damaged in the car. I am happy to let my insurers deal with it as a no-fault claim. If they try to screw me at renewal, I'll move on.
I just want a reasonable sum for my car so that I can get something similar (or better if I add a bit to it).

angel00079

You mentioned that they are vary in price. Which one is nearest your car. That is the price I would be wanting. Getting it may be a different thing.

You will need a list of positive things, fsh etc. Assessor will be looking at negative things so they can knock money off the settlement figure. Does the car have any damage?

I would look at similar cars. I would print the details off and have any documents that would support the value. This might be receipts. I don't mean I spent x so it is worth x. I mean proof if it has been well maintained etc.

When my car was involved in an accident I was expecting a fight on my hands but was pleasantly surprised. I was happy with the amount offered. I went to the third party insurers. They just seem to want it resolved.

Hoof_Hearted

The assessor phoned today to say the car needed £5,700 of work, so a total loss. Well shock of shocks, I was offered a very fair price for mine -- £3,500. It wasn't tip-top, with a scratch down one side and a small dint in the door, although mechanically perfect. I couldn't have expected £3,500 if I sold it in current (pre-smash) condition. I am well satisfied and will add a bit to get a slightly better car. I am insured with Esure and I have no complaints about how they have handled everything so far. Just waiting for the cheque.