Discovered my car was declared a write off in 2010 - what can I do? | Ask Honest John

What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

Discovered my car was declared a write off in 2010 - what can I do?

I bought a car from a dealer three years ago and now want to part-exchange it for a new car. However, following a Experian Autocheck, we have been told that our car was written off in 2010 and declared a Cat C.

The original dealer has said that they did a HPI check as they do on all cars and it was clear; also there is no special notes on the V5C apart from that it was new when registered.

What rights do I have and how can I get a fair part-exchange value?

Asked on 4 February 2014 by KayD

Answered by Honest John

Either someone has keyed a slightly wrong reg into the HPI check or Experian has the wrong reg in its databank.

You could run your own Experian check and if the car then shows up as a Cat C, sue them using www.moneyclaim.gov.uk for the libel damage cost of the problems this has caused you and demand they alter their records.

Tags: legal and consumer advice write offs

Similar questions

A drunk driver wrote off my parked car but hasn't reported to his insurer - how do I claim for my losses?

My parked car was crashed into by a drink driver at night, I was at home sleeping. The police arrested him for drink driving and criminal damage and arranged the recovery. My insurance (Tesco) is third...

Do I have to declare a Cat D status to potential buyers of my car?

I'm thinking of selling my BMW 3 Series privately. It was declared Cat D in 2014 and had an engine replacement after I bought it back from the insurer. Since then, it has been okay. If I sell privately,...

I bought a car that was possibly written off - where do I stand legally?

I've just bought a car on finance. When the company went to change the logbook online, the system wouldn't work. We filled out a form for a new logbook and I was told by the finance company that the car...