Cat N wright off - cant inform DVLA

Car_54

frankflowers said:

Car_54 said:

motorguy said:

Shakin_Steve said:

Why would a prospective buyer need to know about a cat N? Any damage can be repaired as new but it's just too expensive for the insurer. If you drive into a wall and get the car repaired without telling your insurer, then that's exactly the same but with no cat N.

Its not "too expensive".  Its "beyond economic repair" for the insurer - its cheaper for them to pay out and sell the car as salvage, thus its a write off.  

That is registered on VCAR and that can be picked up via an HPI check.  If someone isnt bothered thats fine, but it does impact a cars value and could impact someones buying decision.

Whilst it can be argued "sure its only Cat N", the damage has likely been significant.

Whether something is “too expensive” is entirely down to the judgement of whoever is paying - in this case the insurer - so it’s a perfectly accurate phreak estimate in this context.

Its not a judgement though its an accounting decision.

Someone could feel £20,000 is too expensive to repair a car, however it could well still be economically viable to repair it, rather than write it off.

Too expensive is subjective, beyond economic repair is objective.  Theres a difference.

I’d suggest the latter is simply a subset, or an example, of the former

frankflowers

Car_54 said:

frankflowers said:

Car_54 said:

motorguy said:

Shakin_Steve said:

Why would a prospective buyer need to know about a cat N? Any damage can be repaired as new but it's just too expensive for the insurer. If you drive into a wall and get the car repaired without telling your insurer, then that's exactly the same but with no cat N.

Its not "too expensive".  Its "beyond economic repair" for the insurer - its cheaper for them to pay out and sell the car as salvage, thus its a write off.  

That is registered on VCAR and that can be picked up via an HPI check.  If someone isnt bothered thats fine, but it does impact a cars value and could impact someones buying decision.

Whilst it can be argued "sure its only Cat N", the damage has likely been significant.

Whether something is “too expensive” is entirely down to the judgement of whoever is paying - in this case the insurer - so it’s a perfectly accurate phreak estimate in this context.

Its not a judgement though its an accounting decision.

Someone could feel £20,000 is too expensive to repair a car, however it could well still be economically viable to repair it, rather than write it off.

Too expensive is subjective, beyond economic repair is objective.  Theres a difference.

I’d suggest the latter is simply a subset, or an example, of the former

I got what was meant, if you didnt and disagree thats fine.

We could argue about semantics all day.

diystarter7

facade said:

I wasn't suggesting any dishonesty.

The problem with CAT N, is the car is worth less than one without a marker.  Fine if you are aware it is CAT N  and pay less, not fine if you are unaware, pay full price and then find that when you come to trade it in the dealer won't touch it when they HPI it and find it is CAT N.

Or if you write it off and your insurer pays out the CAT-N value and you have 47 HP payments left against the full price & interest.....

If CAT_N is recorded, then it ought to be marked on the V5 (log book), but it isn't.

In order to do that the car owner has to send the V5 back. Therefore much easier to have up to date records o the insurance. Therefore, if you are buying are car, get it checked/ All franchised dealers I think supply you with a check certificate but not sure about the smaller dealers.

diystarter7

cymruchris said:

Run a check on your registration number on one of the various vehicle history checking sites to see if the Cat N marker has been applied.

But that costs money but is well worth it.