Car is write off unsure how to proceed
Discussion
Someone went in to the back of me the other day when I was stationary at a give way junction. Spoke to my insurance and they are telling me it's a write off and I have 2 options.
1. Cash for salvage where they take the car and give me whatever they assess the market value of the car to be which they said is around £2100.
2. Call the third party insure and ask for cash in lieu for the repair as they were at fault.
I'm not really sure what to do for option no.2 is that a normal thing? What do I say to them. I have had a repair estimate of around £1500. I don't really want to get rid of the car and also looking for what similar cars with the same spec are going for it seems to be 3k+ so they are not giving the true value of the car. I said how do you know it's a write off without assessing the damage ans she said well I can see from the pictures. It's a Honda Jazz 57 reg 69k miles. Could do with some advice on how to proceed really
1. Cash for salvage where they take the car and give me whatever they assess the market value of the car to be which they said is around £2100.
2. Call the third party insure and ask for cash in lieu for the repair as they were at fault.
I'm not really sure what to do for option no.2 is that a normal thing? What do I say to them. I have had a repair estimate of around £1500. I don't really want to get rid of the car and also looking for what similar cars with the same spec are going for it seems to be 3k+ so they are not giving the true value of the car. I said how do you know it's a write off without assessing the damage ans she said well I can see from the pictures. It's a Honda Jazz 57 reg 69k miles. Could do with some advice on how to proceed really
They've low-balled you on the value, go back to them with a higher value based on buying an equivalent car from autotrader.
If you want to repair the car you could do it cheaper by using 2nd-hand parts etc, if you like the car I'd take a cash settlement with keeping the car, and repair the damage yourself.
If you want to repair the car you could do it cheaper by using 2nd-hand parts etc, if you like the car I'd take a cash settlement with keeping the car, and repair the damage yourself.
Yeah I'll tell them it's worth more than that to replace like for like. They said I can't keep the car if I accept the cash settlement. I need to check with them if I have the option to buy it back but need to see what they would cost me and if they would insure it. I'd rather keep the car for now. What about calling the 3rd party insurer and asking them to pay for it?
KingNothing said:
Should have went straight to their insurance company not your own. When my bike was written off, the other persons insurance gave me the market value of it and let me keep it.
I don't think that's right ^^^^. You'd have to declare it anyway. You've told your insurance company which is good. Now you can give the other insurance company a ring and see what they will offer.
robdex1 said:
Thanks yeah I will try calling them. Will they ask me what my insurer has offered though? What do I tell them? Why would it be in their interest to offer me more than my insurer?
I wouldn't bother negotiating from that point of view, they probably talk to each other anyway. Just ask them what cash they will stump up, suck your teeth and say you think it will be £300 more than that, and if they agree and that covers you for the repairs you should be quids in.Go read through your insurance documents - it will detail what the insurance will pay out.
Don't forget if they declare the car a total loss thay pay out and the case is closed. For a repair they may be having to pay for a courtesy car for the duration of the repairs...if they drag on that bill may be more than the car was worth!
I would be inclined to argue for a higher market value, use Autotrader for similar cars etc...
If you go through the third party insurance they will also be looking to minimise the payout just the same. If you buy the salvage you still need to get the car repaired but now at your expense, time, alternative transport, hassle etc
Don't forget if they declare the car a total loss thay pay out and the case is closed. For a repair they may be having to pay for a courtesy car for the duration of the repairs...if they drag on that bill may be more than the car was worth!
I would be inclined to argue for a higher market value, use Autotrader for similar cars etc...
If you go through the third party insurance they will also be looking to minimise the payout just the same. If you buy the salvage you still need to get the car repaired but now at your expense, time, alternative transport, hassle etc
You don't sound like you are claiming or have whiplash etc and so they 'should' be happy to settle at a reasonable sum, it also points to the damage being quite minor?
If you get an offer from them that covers the estimated repair then you can go from there?
Some would get the repair figure and whack a used bumper off ebay and live with smaller panel dents, and be cash rich but obviously the car is devalued, but they'd just run it into the ground and scrap it and in the meantime it's battered look won't bother them.
You I suspect want it looking like it did before so you need to ensure the amount you get covers the repair. Some repair places won't entertain used bits or you gettting parts to use to reduce the cost (and you might not want to do that either) so you need to chat to a couple of repairers.
So I just call the other guys insurance and say I was involved in a non fault accident with someone who is insured with you and I'm calling to see what you can offer me? Just cautious what to say if they ask me what my insurance has said. Will they ask me if I have had a quote? A local garage has given a rough estimate and said about £1700 but I'm a bit hesitant as he barely assessed the damage
Hammersia said:
I don't think that's right ^^^^. You'd have to declare it anyway.
You've told your insurance company which is good. Now you can give the other insurance company a ring and see what they will offer.
You have to inform your insurers, but you don't have to let them handle the claimYou've told your insurance company which is good. Now you can give the other insurance company a ring and see what they will offer.
robdex1 said:
So I just call the other guys insurance and say I was involved in a non fault accident with someone who is insured with you and I'm calling to see what you can offer me? Just cautious what to say if they ask me what my insurance has said. Will they ask me if I have had a quote? A local garage has given a rough estimate and said about £1700 but I'm a bit hesitant as he barely assessed the damage
No I'm not claiming for whiplash or anything. I wouldn't say it's minor damage but it's not significant. Bumper is damaged and has a hole in from the towbar and slight dents in the boot but don't know if the sensor is damaged as its showing door open all the time. I would be happy taking the cash and getting it repaired on the cheap but do I have to source the parts myself? Or would a bodyshop do it for me. I don't want to lose the car really or have the hassle of having to buy it back but so you think the 3rd party will offer me upwards of £1500?robdex1 said:
No I'm not claiming for whiplash or anything. I wouldn't say it's minor damage but it's not significant. Bumper is damaged and has a hole in from the towbar and slight dents in the boot but don't know if the sensor is damaged as its showing door open all the time. I would be happy taking the cash and getting it repaired on the cheap but do I have to source the parts myself? Or would a bodyshop do it for me. I don't want to lose the car really or have the hassle of having to buy it back but so you think the 3rd party will offer me upwards of £1500?
yes.Give them a ring and describe the damage. but first check that the boot floor doesn't show any damage.
be ready to send pics.
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