Car accident - insurer wishes to write off car as 'beyond economic repair'

Rich2808

I was involved in a minor car accident yesterday which resulted in what appears cosmetic damage to my front bumper. The car is still driveable and securely parked in a parking bay and I opened the bonnet and everything looked intact.

Contacted my insurer and they have informed me that due to the age of the vehicle it would not be economic to repair it (without any inspection) – so are intending to write it off.

They have informed me that if I wish to get it repaired myself I would need to take it to a garage and pay for it – and get an MOT done – before they would consider insuring me again for it. However they have advised me that if I was to drive it now it would be at my own risk – as they have stated my policy won’t cover me.

So it’s a catch 22 – I accept their offer (the value of my car – TBD – less scrappage) as the alternative is driving it without insurance to take it to a garage to get it repaired (which would mean I was driving illegally without insurance).

Would welcome any thoughts on this – as I quite like the car!

Tom99

You could have it transported on a trailer.

Andy_L

If it is safe to drive then you could:
Get the garage to drive it on trade insurance
Get someone who has driving other car cover (that doesn't require the car itself to be insured) to drive it
Get day insurance

lisyloo

as the alternative is driving it without insurance to take it to a garage to get it repaired (which would mean I was driving illegally without insurance).

Do you have a breakdown policy?
Some don't cover accident recovery but some do.

I personally wouldn't have called insurer (you have to declare a loss now as even if you don't claim it's recorded as a loss).
If it's a old car and only cosmetic I personally wouldn't bother getting it repaired.
I get it taken to a garage by breakdown recovery and have an MOT and then get it insured again.

Some may say you technically have to declare the loss anyway whether you called or not but personally I consider cosmetic damage to a bumper in the same category as dropping a mug on the floor or laddering a pair of tights.
No-one on this forum has ever been able to tell us where to draw the line but if we had to declare a loss every time we laddered a pair a tights then women all across the country would be calling every other day (house insurance not car but you get the gist).

EdGasketTheSecond

What about if I laddered your tights though?

Rich2808

Thanks for the advice. I had to report it to my insurers as there was another car involved - their fault but these things happen. I just rather like my car so don't really want to have to part with it and have the hassle of finding a new one if possible

missile

Your insurer appears to be unreasonable. Never heard of cancelling insurance if car is roadworthy or asking for MOT. Unfortunately cheapest is not always best :-(

Perhaps you could take their pay out, get it repaired and arrange insurance with someone else?