Insurance Problem, Want To Keep Car But It'll Be Written Off

[Fox 3]

The mother in law got rammed the other day...

 

Now I've got your attention, she braked late and someone ran into the back of her Saxo VTR (yes, someone has to own one!)

 

In all fairness, it’s a Y plate, 80odd K, but is in bloody good condition - I've just about rebuilt the thing over the last eight years! And it has a fair bit of sentimental value for her. She (being a woman) has instantly rung her insurance, which are picking the car up on Tuesday for it to be taken to a garage (50 miles away) to be assessed, then delivering her a hire car.

 

I told her to ring back, stating she wants them to come to her house to assess the damage, they say it’s got to be taken to a garage before they come out to assess it?

 

It’s still perfectly drivable, the tow hook is bent and the bumper cracked but it'll be an easy repair, although, I'd imagine any bodyshop in the land will instantly write it off due to the cost of a new bumper and paint.

 

Ideally, I'd like them to come round, write it off, then she can buy it back and run it for another year while she saves up for another car.

 

Anyone got any experience? They are pretty adamant they must collect, but I've told her to not let it go out of her sight.

 

I've got the feeling I'm biting my nose of to spite my face, but hey ho, its family!

[deathbringer929 49 1 Cars]

ask the insurer for a "cash in lieu" settlement. dependant on damage, repair cost and pre accident condition this may be an "easy out" as such. if its total lossed and you retain salvage a vic check and mot may be required so a lot less hassle.

 

if you want it repairing through insurer though request for a repair and not total loss. as an estimator for a major collision repair centre i would always try to repair for a client on their request and fit used parts at clients agreement to try to make repairable. not many repairers very busy at moment with claims volumes down massively and a very mild winter. every repair u do is money in the till. hope this helps.

[Zara 41 1 Cars]

They can come out and assess it! Every single

[Zara 41 1 Cars]

Damn mobile browsing! As i was sayinh every one of mine has been assessed at home! Just kick up a stink with the insurance til they sort it out but make sure they are aware you want the car back! You may not have to buy it back ive never bought one back. :D

[Pileopants 0]

Sounds like she is going through the Insurers "Approved Repairer" scheme maybe? If so quite possible they will assess costs at the garage and write off from what you are saying. Then as you suspect it will then be more difficult to get the car back.

 

If they are not willing to estimate the repair at her home she could always inform the insurer that she does not wish to go through the Approved Repairer scheme and will provide her own repair quotes? Then get a couple of garages to supply quotes then pass onto the insurer. That way it may be easier to keep hold of the car if she wants to. If the insurer is not happy with the costs they can send an assesor out to inspect at home address and potentially write off at that stage but you will still have the car in your possession.

 

If the car is still driveable then likely all she will miss out on not going the Approved Repairer route is potentially a courtesy car while it is in for repair. But if it is written off more than likely this will be withdrawn anyway (subject to the terms of the policy).

 

Good luck!

[welshpug 1,657]

If its drivable then get in touch with the approved repairer and make an appointment to visit them, you don't have to leave the car with them.

 

 

That's what I did with my ZX last year

[Pileopants 0]

If its drivable then get in touch with the approved repairer and make an appointment to visit them, you don't have to leave the car with them.

 

 

That's what I did with my ZX last year

 

Good idea

 

Fox, if they will let her do this and she is happy to drive the 50 miles to see them then all well and good. If she wants to keep the car then probably a good idea to look at alternatives rather than letting them collect the car as they have suggested.