My much loved '98 MX5 was involved in a shunt from the rear in May. The driver admitted responsibility and his insurance company were very helpful and paid me the write off value for the car (which I bought back and had repaired, even making a profit on the proceedings).

Aviva told me strongly not to tell my insurance co 'it will put your premium up'. The car was shortly due for relincensing and an MOT, - it passed the latter before repairs although the former could be done in the local PO (but not online as it had been written off. The DVLA told me to use a post office).

I was in the process of organising a VIN check when it was forcefully put to me that I really ought to inform my insurance company after all and in doing so, I was told that, because it had been written off, I only had basic insurance.

Following my phone call, they made it up to third party only for two weeks. Full cover was restored after they had seen the VIN document and repair bill but I had been driving the car around for about a month by then. Be warned. Aviva was clearly wrong in their advice.