Car Insurance for CAT N write off query?

Mettymatty

Hi,

Please can anyone with knowledge in this subject assist me with some advice?...

Background: I recently made a non-fault claim on my car insurance (car got rear ended).  The car is old and was written off as a CAT N (non structural damage).  I retained the car (bought back of the insurers for £0).

I would like to continue driving the car but despite calling my insurance company which is Geoffrey (Chaucer) numerous times for advice, they can't give a definitive answer and basically speak in riddles.

I've asked if I needed a new policy due to the write off and pay out and I've been told "Yes you do" by one adviser and "no you don't, just continue your existing policy" by 2 others which I don't understand as it's now a CAT N so surely they at least need to make a mid-term adjustment for that?  They've also said they're not sure but "if you can still see your existing policy is ongoing then it's fine to continue with it". - How do I "see if it's ongoing?"

I've also asked about it needing a new MOT and they say yes but then when I ask if they require proof or a copy they say no but I still need to get an MOT.  When I ask if its for insurance purposes they avoid the question. I only had a new MOT last month and the only reason my car was considered un-roadworthy for the insurance claim was because the rear bumper was damaged beyond repair, hanging off and likely to be a hazard to other road users.  Being mechanically minded, I'm quite capable of undoing 8 bolts and fitting a new bumper securely.  I've already been without my car for long enough while this was sorted and I'll need to go without it for another day for another MOT if it's unnecessary.  I also don't want to be pulled over and told my insurance is invalid for either of the above reasons.

Can people in the know help please?

Thanks

Sandtree

If you can continue policy or not etc comes down to your individual insurer, it typically isn't an MTA to advise its been a write off because motor insurers don't ask if a vehicle is written off or not.

We were always told to say you do need a new MOT after the vehicle has been repaired and just as you don't send your annual MOT to your insurers you equally don't need to to send this one. Others on here have challenged the need for an MOT and I can only admit I am repeating what I was told rather than knowing the legal basis for the answer... if you look at Admirals website  they too say an MOT is required

400ixl

CAT N registered cars do not need to be re-tested to go back on the road if they have a currently valid MOT. Obviously it is your responsibility to ensure it is roadworthy as it is for any car.

A CAT S does need to be re-registered with the DVLA (new logbook issued) and tested.