Insurer's valuation reveals patchy used car history
I bought a 2005 Vauxhall Corsa with 11000 milles from a car supermarket at full price back in early 2008 in ignorance of its previous history. Four weeks ago I was waiting at some traffic lights only to be crashed into the back of. I claimed through my insurance who told me the car was not economically worth repairing and offered me £1875 for it.
I thought they were just offering me a low amount to save some money (this site values the car around £3000) but they said the car had been previously written off back in Oct 2007 and as a result the car is not worth as much. As I was unaware of the car previously being written-off and as a result paid full insurance premium for it, should I now have to accept this low figure?
Is financial ombudsman right in saying that "if the policyholder innocently bought (and insured) the vehicle in complete ignorance of its history, and the repairs were not obviously noticeable, he/she is likely to have paid full price (and a full insurance premium) for it. So we are likely to decide that it would be unfair for the insurer to pay less than the full market value." is this correct? and what sources would you recommend to prove the market value of my car?
I thought they were just offering me a low amount to save some money (this site values the car around £3000) but they said the car had been previously written off back in Oct 2007 and as a result the car is not worth as much. As I was unaware of the car previously being written-off and as a result paid full insurance premium for it, should I now have to accept this low figure?
Is financial ombudsman right in saying that "if the policyholder innocently bought (and insured) the vehicle in complete ignorance of its history, and the repairs were not obviously noticeable, he/she is likely to have paid full price (and a full insurance premium) for it. So we are likely to decide that it would be unfair for the insurer to pay less than the full market value." is this correct? and what sources would you recommend to prove the market value of my car?
Asked on 16 August 2012 by rickydalo

Despite the passage of time, you might have a case against the Supersite under Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008, more here: www.honestjohn.co.uk/faq/consumer-rights/
Similar questions

My cherished 2005 Porsche Boxster 987S was involved in an accident last week and was sadly declared a write-off by the insurance company. I bought it from a dealer (for peace of mind) but the insurer's...

While my car was parked in a retail park car park it was hit and severely damaged by a third party. It is likely to be a write off. I have the third party's insurers details. The third party is obviously...

My car was scratched by another driver and subsequently written off because of its age. Can I ask to retain the car and will I still be insured with my company? Plus is it easy to insure again?
Related models
.jpg?width=115&height=75&rmode=crop)
Solid and decently equipped. Reasonable handling and some frugal engines.