CAR INSURANCE QUESTION

rjh56

Hi just looking for some advice. I was in a minor accident about 10 days ago, scuffed bumper, damaged, headlight, dent in front wing. Had the car looked at by a local garage and they estimated about £1k of repairs. Car in worth around £6800. Car went into the repairers a week ago. Just checked progress and car is awaiting an engineer inspection. They said it possible uneconomic repairs. But based on the relatively minor body work damage there is no way this should be classified as a write off, although I stress that’s not been confirmed by the insurance as being the case. Under the circumstances can I insist to my insurers that I get the car back from their approved body shop for an assessment at a repairer of my choice? Not being an insurance expert any advice would be greatly appreciated.

AdrianC

What car? Photo...?

Bumper, headlight, wing... Any rubbing strips, other fitments? That could very easily be a grand or more just in parts, at manufacturer prices, before paint and fitting. If it's something upmarket, with HID lights, the light unit alone could be a grand.
Then there's the cost of a hire car while it's being repaired... And that's before they find anything once they start stripping. Wheel, tyre, suspension? Radiator and condensor?

If they do decide not to repair, they may offer you the opportunity to buy the salvage back, in return for a proportion of the payout - you can then repair it yourself using used parts.

clive0510

you should of got 3 indipendent estimates in the 1st place. so now your car is at this place and in a way I guess you feel kinda committed. contact your insurance company and tell them you not happy with this. you pay them a lot of money, so now its there turn to help you.

The_Rainmaker

This 2020 Ford Ranger 755 miles on the clock with a couple scuffs has been written off.  So don't be too surprised.

https://www.copart.co.uk/lot/43431050

AdrianC

The_Rainmaker said:

This 2020 Ford Ranger 755 miles on the clock with a couple scuffs has been written off.  So don't be too surprised.

https://www.copart.co.uk/lot/43431050

"VEHICLE ENGINE DOES NOT RESPOND TO BATTERY PACK BOOST

VEHICLE IS A NON RUNNER"

My money's on somebody having tested the wading depth, wittingly or otherwise.

Yep, look closely at the interior shot. It's been for a swim.

The_Rainmaker

If it had been for a swim it would be a Cat S as a minimum.

But ultimately regardless of the reason for its demise the insurer has decided it has the potential to bite them if they paid for repairs.  At £10k pre auction already will prob go for £15-£20k in the end.

forgotmyname

Is that the tide mark at the window level? Or just down to the picture compression?

Is it my warped mind that wonders what the rest of that reg is?

The_Rainmaker

forgotmyname said:

Is that the tide mark at the window level? Or just down to the picture compression?

Is it my warped mind that wonders what the rest of that reg is?

ST69UZA

Bigphil1474

OP, if they write it off, as Adrian says, you can take the car back. They take off the salvage value from your payout. A few years ago now, my old fiesta was rear ended, it was valued about £750, they gave me £730 and the car back. I ran it for a couple of weeks as it was still road worthy although it looked a mess, then sold for scrap for £80.  If you can fix it for less than the payout, you are quids in although the resale value will be diminished. 

forgotmyname

The_Rainmaker said:

ST69UZA

How did you get that without the full VIN?  I had a look and didnt see it.  Did I need to login?
Sometimes they hide it and take a picture of it...