Ask Honest John

Most recently answered write offs questions
My son had a small collision in November 2017, causing minor damage to both vehicles invloved. He admitted liability at the scene as it was clearly his fault (he pulled out of a layby but did not spot...
My father was involved in a collision, causing damage to the nearside rear of his 2016 Ford Fiesta. The third party accepted responsibility and we contacted my father's insurer to inform them. We confirmed...
I'm interested in buying an accident-damaged car to repair. The car hasn't been written off, but the guys selling it (and others cars) buy their cars direct from a particular insurance company. Apparently,...
My 2007 Skoda Superb, which I use drive as a taxi, was hit by a car. It's damaged near the back door and rear panel near the sill. The sill is badly dented, but the door closes and locks. It probably needs...
My 2007 Ford Mondeo was hit by contractors for British Gas while it was parked outside my house. Their excavation vehicle has dented the driver's door and badly scratched the rear passenger door. I've...
Do different insurance companies have different levels for writing off a car?
Yesterday, I was rear ended at traffic lights. I have the third party's phone number. He did not know his insurer's name and is asking to settle without reference to insurers. The damage to my 2000 Mercedes-Benz...
My Hyundai i20 was written off recently. My insurer has offered me £3695 to find a replacement. I found one on the AA used car website from for that price, but it's not AA-approved. Can I buy it with confidence?...
I hit pothole and wrote off an alloy wheel. A number of other cars were similarly damaged in the 30 minutes I was there and the police attended the scene. My car is a 1999 Toyota Avensis Estate in good...
My Ford B-MAX was involved in an accident and the other party accepted liability. I didn’t want the hassle, so I claimed against my own insurer. I lost my excess but, as I have legal cover under my insurance,...