Insuring a CAT C

[qooqiiu]

I'm interested in buying a car that is a CAT C. It is being sold by a reputable dealer for about 30% less than market value.

I plan on keeping the car for a good few years so im not concerned at all about its value when it comes to getting rid.

I understand some insurance companies simply do not want to know about insuring CAT C's...

From the research ive dome the companies that are prepared to insure a CAT C require it to have a valid MOT. The car in question is an 08 plate so doesnt need one yet. Problem?


How much of a premium do insurance companies charge for insuring a cat C???


Any advice at all?

Thanks

[Sticklebrick]

I might be wrong but I think there is an assessment you can subject it too which changes its recorded status on insurance database, can't remember what it gets changed too but I think it helps with insurance. Sorry to be so vague, just remember seeing something about it on a program once.

HTH

[bigmadjohn]

Hi mate

I had the same issue when I bought a CAT C motorcycle (knowingly from a friend). Most insurance companies say if they will insure it or not in their FAQs, if their FAQs do not mention it, call and ask, as if they dont cover former write offs, it could get them out of paying a claim, but Ive heard that most companies will check the HPI status when taking out the policy.

As for the MOT, I believe that all cars/bikes that are written off are required to have a MOT before returned to the road (my bike was written off within a year of being registered, and the MOT is virtually on its first birthday). Also in the case of cat C cars of a certain age (newness) I believe they also require a VIC check- this is to examine the car by VOSA to make sure it is not a ringer (car with identity changed).

As for value on the insurance, simply put what you paid for it, not what the equivalent (undamaged) car is worth, as if it is a former write off, it will be devalued to the level you have described. Also take several pictures of the car, with some proof of date (put todays newspaper in a couple of pictures), to prove that it has been repaired, as the insurance assessor could blame damage in the event of a new claim, on the old repair being done poorly or not being carried out at all.

Hope this helps
John

[Risotto]

Don't worry about resale value, it's all proportional. You may only get market value - 30% when you sell but as long as you only pay market value -30% when you buy, there's no problem.

As far as I'm aware, if it's got an MOT, that's all that's necessary as far as getting insurance goes. As for the insured value, this will be market value. As it's a cat C, that market value will be less than it would otherwise.

I've checked with various insurers over the years and all have said they'd insure one at a reduced market value.