Write off options for broke driver!

dangeym

Hi all,

Please forgive me for what I'm sure is pathetic ignorance of pretty basic stuff(!), but this is the first time I've ever had to deal with a car insurance claim.

Basically, someone backed into my (very low milage, 14 year-old) car and has created a dent that would apparently cost £1000+ to repair as an insurance job. The car is probably not worth much more than that, so I anticipate the insurers will consider it a write-off.

The problem is (1) the car is really reliable, never had any mechanical issues and probably has plenty of life left in it, and (b) I could not afford to replace it with a car of a similar standard.

The body shop guy said he could more cheaply repair the damage without replacing doors/panels for ~£600, but this isn't a repair the insurers would pay for, they'd rather just write it off.

I just wondered what my options are likely to be from a MSE perspective? Again, apologies if this kind of query has been answered a hundred times and I've missed it.

DullGreyGuy

Get the £600 quote, as your or the third party insurers to settle it as cash in lieu of repairs based on the invoice thus avoiding the total loss

Alternatively allow them to total loss the vehicle but state that you wish to retain the salvage, they'll reduce the total loss settlement by what the salvage is worth and you subsequently get it repaired. Speak to your insurers about if anything will be needed post repairs to allow it to return to the road.

Brie

You could also try to see what it would cost to buy the same car - make, model, mileage - and see how that compares to what the insurance company is offering. 

When I had someone dent my ancient, low mileage car they wanted to scrap it and give me about £200.  It would have cost me £800 to buy the same thing so that's what I insisted on and that I kept the car.  Local mechanic popped the dent out for about £100 and that was fine by me.  

Flight3287462

Your best bet is to ask them how much it will cost to buy back the salvage, I would think less than £200 you can then spend the money on repairs or not as you please (as long as you make sure it is road worthy).

I do hope you still have the car in your possession that makes this course of action much easier.

lisyloo

can you describe the damage.
Could you tolerate a scrap yard part in a different colour but better condition?

Not saying you should have to just considering the options.

dangeym

Thanks everyone - what an fantastic forum this is 

Unfortunately, whatever happens it looks like I'll be at least £££ out of pocket for an accident that wasn't my fault (unless I can wrangle DullGreyGuy's first suggestion). Makes you wonder what we pay insurers all this money for. I don't suppose its possible to retract a claim?!

I guess I will have to see what happens next. My next post might be about the most cost-effective way to buy a car!

DullGreyGuy

dangeym said:

Thanks everyone - what an fantastic forum this is 

Unfortunately, whatever happens it looks like I'll be at least £££ out of pocket for an accident that wasn't my fault (unless I can wrangle DullGreyGuy's first suggestion). Makes you wonder what we pay insurers all this money for. I don't suppose its possible to retract a claim?!

I guess I will have to see what happens next. My next post might be about the most cost-effective way to buy a car!

Why will you be out of pocket?

You can withdraw a claim, still counts as a claim when it comes to making declarations on your history at renewal etc

Ath_Wat

Is the dent an MOT failure?

Flight3287462

OK let me try again (example figures)

Pay out as a write off  £1,600 (this figure will probably be higher than you think in current climate)
Cost to buy back        -£   200
Cost of repair             -£   600  (if you decide it is worth it and no cheaper options available)

You are then at least £800 better off and you still have the car.

dangeym

I warned you that I don't know what I'm talking about! Thanks for clarification. I was trying to get a feel for a likely valuation and although private sale asking prices are £2.5-3.5k (undamaged), I found a couple of 'trade' estimates of £450-700, which made me a bit more pessimistic about even breaking even. Thanks again.

@Ath_Wat Not sure whether it would fail an MOT. Don't believe it affects the function of the car, but there is a sharpish point where the wheel arch is creased

Ath_Wat

dangeym said:

I warned you that I don't know what I'm talking about! Thanks for clarification. I was trying to get a feel for a likely valuation and although private sale asking prices are £2.5-3.5k (undamaged), I found a couple of 'trade' estimates of £450-700, which made me a bit more pessimistic about even breaking even. Thanks again.

@Ath_Wat Not sure whether it would fail an MOT. Don't believe it affects the function of the car, but there is a sharpish point where the wheel arch is creased

Is just leaving it alone an option seeing as the car is worth less than £1000?