Car declared total loss - should I repair it?

rsb123

Car is a 2008 Mazda worth £3900.

A lorry driver ripped my bumper off (with fog lights) and scratched/dented rear wing panel while I was stationary. He has admitted full liability and his insurance company says they consider it a total loss (Category D write off) as it's "uneconomical" to fix.

They have estimated salvage value at £1100 and so offered my £2800 cash and I get the car back to either dispose of or repair myself.

Question: Should I take the money and car back or insist they repair or pay me full value of £3900?

If I take car back should I sell to salvage yard or have repaired? Guessing it will depend on how much ££ for each.

I would rather have my car repaired as it's much less hassle fixing a car than shopping for new (good value/safe second-hand) one.

Of course the situation I'm hoping for is the repair only costs about a grand, so I make money on the deal (for my inconvenience).

The reduction in car value due to write off note appearing on V5C is not a big deal for me, since I will probably drive this car until it is near zero value.

I have also confirmed with my insurance company (Admiral) that a write off marker will not affect premiums. I also did a comparison site check and selected "YES" when asked if it was a write off and it did not significantly affect the quotes I got.

molerat

Bumper from scrappy ? How bad is the dent in the wing - does it really need repairing ? Are you happy to drive round in a multicoloured scratched and dented shed ? Or you could go to a local bodyshop for a quote, you paying privately will be a lot cheaper than an insurance repair quote.

jobdone1

Cat D does not show on the log book. It is only cat C. Cat D will show on an hpi request. Swift cover and a couple of others do not insure right offs. I personally would keep the car it is only minor damage easily and cheaply repaired with a few quid beer money

rs65

rsb123 wrote: »

I would rather have my car repaired as it's much less hassle fixing a car than shopping for new (good value/safe second-hand) one.

I think you have answered your own question.

Apodemus

rs65 wrote: »

I think you have answered your own question.

Absolutely! Also if the OP's car ownership strategy is to run it till it dies (as mine is!), then a bumper and a couple of lights on a car valued at £3,900 doesn't sound like the point of death. I'd ask myself what the likely annual depreciation would be on any replacement - almost certainly it would be more than the cost of this repair.

maddogb

seriously mate how have you got such a good valuation? my car was written off in the floods and despite being a year younger than yours, robbers Esure have offered me only £3000 that was 6 months ago as well

phill99

If they say its written off, then they wont repair it, even if you insist.

If you take the car off them then you can only get the £2800.

If you don't eant the car, they will give you £3900.

You can't get £3900 and the car.

Which bitf this are you not getting?

Turn_to_Grey

Question: Should I take the money and car back or insist they repair or pay me full value of £3900?

Op's not said he wants full value and the car.
1. Accept money = £2800 and car
2. Insist they repair
3. Try and get full value.

jobdone1

I like not your point :spam::spam: