CAT C Write Off Question Please

metroman

I really can't believe my luck. I've been hit whilst stationary 3 times in a year, and the third one happened just an hour ago whilst I was waiting at a roundabout.

Anyway, the second accident I had, got my car declared a CAT C Write-off, but it was driveable, so I kept it.

Obviously I now need to phone my insurance company asap regarding today's accident, but want to arm myself with information before I do, as I'm not totally understanding where I will stand with the CAT C Write-off situation and this latest accident. Any help would be hugely appreciated.

Aretnap

"it was driveable, but I kept it"... If that means you didn't actually repair the damage after the last write-off then that means you car will have pretty minimal value, probably something close to whatever salvage value was deducted from your settlement figure after the last accident. So you shouldn't expect much now in the way of cash or repairs - you presumably already had most of the car's value last time round.

If you did do the repairs, and they were done to a reasonable standard, then you should be entitled to the full value of your car, less a deduction (20%ish) to reflect the fact that the write-off marker has an impact on its value even after it's been repaired. Be prepared to provide evidence of the repairs you had done, eg receipts, or before and after pictures.

foxy-stoat

Just report the accident to your insurers as information and claim directly off the third party.

You should have already made you money back on the car after the second claim so anything else will be a bonus. You may get a reduced valuation but thats about it.

metroman

Just had a call from the other drivers insurers to say their client has admitted full liability and that I have to send in images of the damage which will enable them to make me an offer. I'm surprised they didn't ask me if my car was a write off. Should I declare that or not?

Aretnap

If they don't ask you don't have to tell them...

Of course, they might look it up for themselves.

metroman

Oh well, I'm sure they will look it up. Do you know if that would mean no offer, or a very much reduced offer?

metroman

Oh well, I'm sure they will look it up. Do you know if that would mean no offer, or a very much reduced offer?

arcon5

No it doesn't.
Your entitled to either the new damage caused repaired or market value. It previously being a write off affects market value but still doesn't change the fact that's what your entitled to. If for example it's worth £1200 usually, look around a like for like previously cat C may be selling at around £800 for example... that's the market value.
If you was paid out for damage at last accident it's irrelevant. If it is still damaged it will reduce market value of course. Searches of auto trader etc formlike for like will help

metroman

Great answers everyone, thankyou. I thought my car being a write off meant I was entitled to nothing. Lots learnt today!