Cat D Write Off
Author
Discussion

Tonberry

Original Poster:

2,295 posts

221 months

Wednesday 13th April 2011
quotequote all
I'm about to buy a car, but after paying for a HPI check I have realised it is a category D. How will this affect insurance? The car is being sold at straight car money. Should I expect money off?

Cheers

va1o

16,113 posts

236 months

Wednesday 13th April 2011
quotequote all
Run

Boba Fret

438 posts

185 months

Wednesday 13th April 2011
quotequote all
va1o said:
Run
why?

eltax91

10,757 posts

235 months

Wednesday 13th April 2011
quotequote all
Boba Fret said:
why?
Because it's being mis-represented? Fair enough buying a car when the seller is being straight up. If they withhold info about CAT D, what else are they holding back?

jb9193

809 posts

196 months

Wednesday 13th April 2011
quotequote all
va1o said:
Run
+1

ensignia

946 posts

264 months

Wednesday 13th April 2011
quotequote all
It shouldn't affect insurance aside from the obvious fact that your insurers will value it less than a straight car and will adjust any payout accordingly.

CAT D cars are usually significantly cheaper than a normal car and that's the appeal. DO NOT pay the regular price for a car which has recorded damage. I'm assuming the car is not listed as a CAT D in the ad? I'm sure that's not allowed if it's a trader, or if it's a private sale then it's downright immoral.

Boba Fret

438 posts

185 months

Wednesday 13th April 2011
quotequote all
depending what car it is a cat d can be as little as a bent wing or cracked bumper. Or even in one case I've seen a broken wing mirror (I kid you not)

Which is easily repaired for very little money.

Cat C THEN I'd start to ask more.......

littleredrooster

6,372 posts

225 months

Wednesday 13th April 2011
quotequote all
Cat D cars are generally worth about 60% - 70% of their undamaged original models but rarely cause any problems insuring them. I don't ever recall being asked about their status on an insurance application form.

Tonberry

Original Poster:

2,295 posts

221 months

Wednesday 13th April 2011
quotequote all
The seller knew it was a cat D, but says he won't lower the price. I really like the car so to say I'm pissed off is an understatement.

The damage was minor cosmetic, but it'll affect resale values.

fk.

Boba Fret

438 posts

185 months

Wednesday 13th April 2011
quotequote all
littleredrooster said:
Cat D cars are generally worth about 60% - 70% of their undamaged original models but rarely cause any problems insuring them. I don't ever recall being asked about their status on an insurance application form.
think 60-70% is a little ambitious but, to the OP, with that information you have it certainly provides you with some decent ammo to negotiate a bit harder.

If you run you could be missing out on a cracking (no pun) car for a good price.

Jayho

2,413 posts

199 months

Wednesday 13th April 2011
quotequote all
My general experience with viewing a cat D car was, I really liked the car, it was at a very competitive price, but insurance was more expensive for me... Could have been my age ect at the time, but it was a 1.4 Astra, which was a cat D, but at the same time the insurance premium was enough to cover me on the 1.6 SXI.

The guys a mug for not realizing that a Cat D is of same value as one which is completely straight. There's a reason why you are doubting buying it atm, and if you can find one which isnt a Cat D and buy that, you're effectively buying a "peace of mind" and "easier resale".

My 2 pence.

Seeker UK

1,443 posts

187 months

Thursday 14th April 2011
quotequote all
Tonberry said:
The seller knew it was a cat D, but says he won't lower the price. I really like the car so to say I'm pissed off is an understatement.

The damage was minor cosmetic, but it'll affect resale values.
Depends on the repairs really and whether you can be happy that you know the full story of the work done.

Otherwise, are you buying to drive it or buying to sell on?

bozmandb9

673 posts

209 months

Thursday 14th April 2011
quotequote all
I would say check with your insurers first, to check firstly if they will cover cat d, and secondly how much more it'll cost.

I've had many cat d cars, but they MUST be cheaper, will certainly be more difficult to sell on.

Tell the git who's selling it that since he wasn't upfront, you certainly won't be paying the full price, and tell him what you would pay, otherwise walk away.

If you're determined to get this car then go and re-inspect it with a hard nosed buyer who can point out the flaws and help you get the price down.

stropley

357 posts

193 months

Thursday 14th April 2011
quotequote all
I think 60% is about right. I paid £2000 for a CAT D clio 182 last year that would've been worth over £3K HPI clear.

I can't believe the seller won't budge now you've found him out - maybe he'd rather wait for someone else to come along who'll take him at face value & won't bother with the HPI check?

The guy sounds like a crook, my advice would be to walk away.