Returning a Cat C Write Off to the Road

[Daaave]

Hi all,

Can anyone point me to the DVLA or VOSA sites that clearly state the instructions for returning a cat C write off car to the road?

My shed was damaged by another party, I agreed with their insurance to write it off for payment and return of salvage. I ended up with the car and 20% more cash than I paid for the car originally. I have had the car fixed at a local garage for much less than the insurers garage quoted. So now I have a shed that I intend to run into the ground over at least another 100,000 miles and all my money back

However I'm getting conflicting advice re: procedure to return the car to the road. The DirectGov website tells me it was written off as a cat C and needs a Vehicle Identity Check. To have this VIC you need to have a valid MOT and insurance...

• Is my old MOT (11 months left when the accident occurred) still valid or do I need to have it re-tested?

• Is my old tax still valid?

• Is it illegal to drive to a pre-booked MOT test station in a cat C?

Website links to official instructions appreciated.

Edited by Daaave on Saturday 21st August 11:00

[AndrewW-G]

Application form below

yes you can drive to MOT station

Process is as follows

1. Fix car
2. Drive to MOT station
3. Apply for a VIC check with VOSA
4. Take car for VIC check
5. Tax car

http://www.dft.gov.uk/vosa/repository/Application%...

Edited by AndrewW-G on Saturday 21st August 11:03

[Daaave]

AndrewW-G said:

Application form below

yes you can drive to MOT station

Process is as follows

1. Fix car
2. Drive to MOT station
3. Apply for a VIC check with VOSA
4. Take car for VIC check
5. Tax car

http://www.dft.gov.uk/vosa/repository/Application%...

Edited by AndrewW-G on Saturday 21st August 11:03

Ok thanks, I have already applied for my VIC. It doesn't say though whether I need a new MOT or not. Nor does it say whether my old tax is invalid or not. If both are fine then all I need is the VIC. Do you see my point now?

[Engineer1]

I can't see how unless you cashed the remaining tax in that it wouldn't be taxed, is it still insured? As the write off may have resulted in the policy being ended.

[Daaave]

Engineer1 said:

I can't see how unless you cashed the remaining tax in that it wouldn't be taxed, is it still insured? As the write off may have resulted in the policy being ended.

I haven't cashed in the tax and I spoke to my insurance (who started the confusion) and they said that I just needed an MOT and no VIC. But AFAIK they are totally wrong and I do need a VIC as the VOSA website tells me from my reg search. MOTs however...

[cdrx]

AndrewW-G said:

Application form below

yes you can drive to MOT station

Process is as follows

1. Fix car
2. Drive to MOT station
3. Apply for a VIC check with VOSA
4. Take car for VIC check
5. Tax car

http://www.dft.gov.uk/vosa/repository/Application%...

Edited by AndrewW-G on Saturday 21st August 11:03

Sorry but this isn't correct in this case.

To put it back on the road you don't need to do anything.

Your current MOT is not void, nor is your tax. As long as its roadworthy you can drive it.

You will still have the V5, I assume. If you ever want to sell it, you'll need to get a VIC check. Also, the DVLA won't send you tax reminders until its VIC checked, and I don't think you can tax the car online. You can tax it at a post office, though. If you don't ever plan to sell it, don't waste £40 on a VIC check.

My car was written off in 2008 and I repaired it myself, took ages to work out what you actually have to do (nothing) to put it back on the road but eventually got it confirmed by DVLA.

The only sticking point is insurance: if they want an MOT before they will underwrite it again, then you'll need to get an MOT. Most insurance companies don't care though.