Insurance write off procedures

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Mon 19 Oct 2009 09:14
Insurance write off procedures - harv54
Recently, my sons 98 Escort was sideswiped whilst parked, causing O/S panel damage to front wing and both doors and also fairly serious front suspension damage.At the time, the other driver didn't leave any details at the scene so we had to pay for the suspension repairs ourselves. Subsequently however, the other driver had a fit of conscience or something and their insurance company has got in touch. My problem is this. If we carry on with the claim, the car will almost certainly be written off . Reasonable market value of the car would be around £650 but we've already spent £225 on repairs. No way can I buy an equivalent car for £425. Any suggestions?

{made non make/model specific}

Edited by Dynamic Dave on 19/10/2009 at 10:54

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Mon 19 Oct 2009 10:35
Insurance write off procedures - Falkirk Bairn
If the car is worth £600 why did you spend £225 on suspension repairs - body repairs to multiple panels are high. You should have spent £0 and bought ANOther car.

You are where you are however. Mind you the 3rd party coming back later and admitting cause puts you in a stronger position.

Contact 3rd party Ins Co or if you have legal expenses get your solicitor to do it. Simply state you want the car to be re-built to the position it was in b4 the accident. Keep the £225 receipt for suspension etc and claim that as well.

Good luck.
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Mon 19 Oct 2009 10:43
Insurance write off procedures - harv54
As I stated in my original post, the other driver caused the damage and drove off without leaving details.As far as I'm concerned, panel damage is an inconvenience, suspension damage is not and had to be repaired immediately.I'm not in the fortunate position of being able to scrap a £600 pound car just because the other driver doesn't have the good grace to leave details at the scene
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Mon 19 Oct 2009 10:46
Insurance write off procedures - Altea Ego
off without leaving details.As far as I'm concerned panel damage is an inconvenience suspension damage
is not and had to be repaired immediately.I'm not in the fortunate position of being
able to scrap a £600 pound car just because the other driver doesn't have the
good grace to leave details at the scene



Well claim £225 quid then and leave it at that.
you have the receipts yes?

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Mon 19 Oct 2009 10:40
Insurance write off procedures - L'escargot
Your son should report the accident to his insurer. If he doesn't, his policy may be invalidated.
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Mon 19 Oct 2009 10:44
Insurance write off procedures - harv54
Car insured TPFT only
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Mon 19 Oct 2009 12:00
Insurance write off procedures - martint123
Still got to report it.

It is more usual for your own insurance to write your vehicle off (fully comp claim).
You have lots more clout when claiming off a third party.

Edited by martint123 on 19/10/2009 at 12:01

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Mon 19 Oct 2009 13:12
Insurance write off procedures - L'escargot
Car insured TPFT only


Read the terms and conditions of the policy.
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Mon 19 Oct 2009 13:23
Insurance write off procedures - FotheringtonThomas
If we carry on with the claim the car will almost certainly be written off . Reasonable
market value of the car would be around £650 but we've already spent £225 on
repairs. No way can I buy an equivalent car for £425. Any suggestions?


Not sure on what you base your figures, but talk to the insurer and say what's happened. If you don't know who did it, it's reasonable for you to want to repair it yourself. If it's repaired to your satisfaction, that's that - claim for £225. If it's not repaired to your satisfaction, change the claim. Talk to the insurer and see what can be done about your halfway-house repairs and costs in that case. If you don't get satisfaction, then sidestep them by using the county court small claims procedure.
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