Car “written off” in France

Axon

We were bumped at at roundabout in France. Damage appears cosmetic - broken light casings, bulbs still work, scratches to the bumper but the insurance underwriter are saying the car is a write off. It’s an old car (2006) it looks repairable - does anyone know what our rights are? The other driver was French and admitted full responsibility and gave me his insurance details but the underwriter seems to be writing the car off on the basis of its age. Can we pay to get it repaired (assuming the chassis is ok) and still be insured to drive home?

[Deleted User]

What did your insurance company say when you asked them?

Brodiebobs

It sounds like its being written off because the insurer deems in uneconomical to repair, i.e repairs would cost more then the vehicles value.

You will be able to ask to buy the vehicle back as 'salvage' and get it repaired yourself or just leave it if its only cosmetic. They will then deduct the salvage value from the payout they have offered you and then you get the difference as a payout.

There will be hoops to jump through to get back on the road, it will probaly require a re-MOT test to ensure its road worthy.

Jlo31

Quick question. Did you get a European accident form filled in? You may need this for your insurance company be able to recover costs from the French insurer? The other thing is do you have euro breakdown/accident cover as they may assist in getting your car back home or onward transport eg hire car.