Car crash insurance claim process

eddie-pullin

Two weeks ago I went into a Ford Ka whilst queueing in a line of slow moving traffic, she made a claim on my DirectLine fully comp insurance. It was minor damage. My 1996 TDi Passat had more damage, mainly cosmetic, dented bumper, grille etc. The engineer from the garage employed to deal with claim has said it is a write off and has offered me just under £700 for it. He also offered to sell me the car for £50. My excess is £225. The car is worth much more than this according to a Parkers valuation and a comment by a garage specialising in VW. I have seen one exactly the same on autotrader for £1300 albeit with 160k on the clock from a garage. It is a derisory offer, the car is in good nick, regularly serviced, and recent rear exhaust and brake discs and pads, new tyre, etc. 107k on the clock. It is in drivable condition, but the damage needs repairing.

I will have to discuss this with him in the near future.

I am unfamiliar with the process. I suspect that he might increase the offer, but not to the figure I had in mind.

So do I accept his best offer and then make a complaint to the insurance ombusman or do I refuse his offer unless he increases it.

IE do I accept his offer and then complain about it or refuse?

lisyloo

This sounds a bit odd.
It's not up to the engineer in the garage to make decisions about what happens to your car or the value of it.
It's up to the insurance company.

Have you spoken to a claims advisor at your insurance company?

I would get on to the insurance company ASAP.
If you think you car is worth more and you have evidence then you can argue the case with them.
Bear in mind that asking prices are not the same as selling prices, so jsut because someone advertises at £X does not mean that this is what the car is worth.

However it still sounds like there is a difference here and it sounds like you are not dealing with the right person.
You need to speak to the claims advisor dealing with your case.