Category C vehicle – insurance and other implications?

Digital_Dan

Hi


I would appreciate some advice please.



Last week I had a scrape in my car; which has resulted in cosmetic damage to one door and a quarter-panel. Because of the age and low value of the car; my insurance company have offered me a sum of money to write the car off. I told the insurance company I was reluctant to do this as the car is mechanically sound. They have responded with the offer of a smaller payment and I retain the car as a category ‘C’ vehicle.


I don’t really understand the implications of having category C vehicle and would be grateful if anyone could clarify this for me.


Some questions come to mind. Would my vehicle still be insurable? If it is, would the premium be higher, and if so; by how much?


If I were to claim on my insurance in future; would any payment be restricted due to the fact that the insurance company have deemed the vehicle category C and that they already ‘paid out’ on this vehicle?


If any future insurance claims were restricted in any way; is there any point in having Fully Comprehensive cover instead of Third Party Fire and Theft?


Are there any other consequences of owning a category C vehicle that I should be aware of?


Thanks.

mattk_180

It shouldn't be a problem to insure. If it is category A or B then it's an issue but if that was the case you probably wouldn't have been able to keep the car anyway.


For category C and D they will be insurable providing it has had an MOT pass since any repairs were carried out and you disclose it to the insurer. At worst you may need to provide a Vehicle Inspect Check (I think that's what it is) which would have taken place after the accident and/or repairs.


Providing the above has been done and is satisfactory to the prospect insurer, there shouldn't be any restrictions in insuring it and/or in respect of any future claims as far as I know.

Digital_Dan

Thanks.

I have never heard of a Vehicle Inspect Check and the insurance company have not (yet) asked me to carry one out.

Is it worth getting one carried out regardless?

paddyandstumpy

Ask the insurer what they require to continue insurance on the vehicle.

The only other point to add, further to the above, is the value of a cat C Written off vehicle is lower than a non written off vehicle.

DavidFx

The requirement for a Vehicle Identity Check ceased in October 2015

https://www.gov.uk/vehicle-identity-check

mattk_180

Cheers David, not been in motor insurance for a little while now so not quite up to date with all the goings on.


In which case, as long as it has an MOT there should be no trouble insuring it like you would a normal car.


Just remember, like paddy said, the value may well be lower now that it is a write off compared to one that is not, which in my opinion is completely understandable.

Digital_Dan

paddyandstumpy wrote: »

Ask the insurer what they require to continue insurance on the vehicle.

The only other point to add, further to the above, is the value of a cat C Written off vehicle is lower than a non written off vehicle.

Thanks.

I have already asked the insurance company this and I'm still awaiting their reply.

I'm not worried about the reduced value of the vehicle, as I tend to keep my cars until they reach the point that they are no longer economic to keep running, and then scrap them.

Digital_Dan

DavidFx wrote: »

The requirement for a Vehicle Identity Check ceased in October 2015

https://www.gov.uk/vehicle-identity-check

Thank you very much. That is good to know.

Digital_Dan

mattk_180 wrote: »

Cheers David, not been in motor insurance for a little while now so not quite up to date with all the goings on.


In which case, as long as it has an MOT there should be no trouble insuring it like you would a normal car.


Just remember, like paddy said, the value may well be lower now that it is a write off compared to one that is not, which in my opinion is completely understandable.

Thanks.

As I said; I accept that my vehicle will of reduced value and that isn't a problem as far as I am concerned.