General Write off or repair?

[halilson]

Hi guys, some t####r pulled out of a lay-by right in front of me and scraped the side of my car! He went straight across two lanes without looking. I swerved and managed to avoid a full on collision. He then did a runner before I had the chance to get his details. Fortunately I managed to track him down later that day and I have given the Police and my insurance company his particulars. He is going to get a surprise!!

It doesn't look too bad at first glance, but I thought I would get your opinions on whether it will be a straightforward repair or if the insurance company would insist on replacing the damaged panels. If it's the latter then I imagine the cost would be astronomical.

 

[evo-number-one]

Hal, no idea as to whether they would insist on new panels but absolutely gutted for you.

Hope it all works out mate.

 

[keithglos]

If mine, I would try to negotiate cash in lieu of repairs, and leave the damage as it is.
Keith

 

[halilson]

Thanks Evo. Going in on Friday to assess the damage. Thats a good idea about the cash Keith, but I will just get it repaired privately. I'm not driving around with it looking like that!

 

[cricklewood]

That looks just like mine now, I was swiped by a bus pulling away from a bus stop, he just pulled out without looking ! Cost so far is a cheap new tyre to replace the newish continental that was ripped through. I think if this goes through insurance, it would be written off, damage caused mainly by sticking out bus wheelnuts. Still waiting for insurance company to sort out, so do not know what is happening yet.

 

[Doofer]

It's a good job you've declared all your modifications to your insurer (hopefully)...

 

[halilson]

Just been talking about that at work Doofer. Yes I have declared them! Though years ago someone drove into the back of my modified 131 supermirafiori (lancia lump, lowered suspension, etc) and not only did they not mention the mods but they paid out more than I was expecting!
I doubt I'll be that lucky this time.

 

[Doofer]

It doesn't matter what you told your own insurers if you're claiming directly from theirs. They'd still have to pay you even if you were driving an uninsured spaceship.

There's also the MIB (Motor Insurers Bureau) for hit and run claims.

 

[halilson]

Thanks Doofer that's good to know.

 

[halilson]

The car went in to be assessed today. New wheel and tyre. Rear panel is repairable but need a new door. Knocked the alignment out on the rear wheel so may need new upper arm and bolt. Abs light is still on so they have to bear that in mind too. Gonna plug multiecuscan in tomorrow to see what it says. They will allow me the price of a new wheel and tyre against a new set of rims that I have got my eye on. But that's only if the insurers feel the car is worth repairing.....

 

[evo-number-one]

Fingers crossed for you and the car Hal'. Any idea how long until you get a decision?

 

[halilson]

Hopefully next week. Then I expect weeks of arguing until we're both reasonably happy with the outcome.

 

[evo-number-one]

No doubt you'd go for a new door, but just in case.......

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Fiat-Croma-1-9-Diesel-Estate-off-side-Rear-DOOR-NO-GLASS-/111312812032?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item19eac2b800

He might have the near side one still

 

[halilson]

Cheers evo. If the shades right it would save some paint. At least the cars driveable while I decide what to do.

 

[Doofer]

You can do deals over this - e.g. if a new door is £300 inc fitting then you could get a "pro forma invoice" for this amount from a garage. The insurers will often pay out the ex VAT amount on this basis, then will pay the VAT after you get it done and send the paid invoice. Just ask them what they will pay on a pro-forma, they should know what you mean. Or you can keep the ex VAT amount, buy the 2nd hand one and keep the difference. There's absolutely nothing dodgy about this.

Alternatively you can just negotiate and agree on any amount you like. The most they'll ever pay is the assessed value of your car, but it could be that you could DIY repair with used parts for less, in which case you might accept write-off value minus scrap as a "cash in lieu" offer. If this situation is the outcome then ensure that they are paying as "cash-in-lieu of repairs" not "write-off" and do not flag your car as being a write-off or you could have future issues with insurance or selling it.

Good luck - we await your updates. By the way, are you claiming from your insurers or theirs?

 

[buster]

Unbelievable.What a shame,proper bad news mate.I would think the rear lower quarter is repairable,the door is just a straight swap.My wifes first 500(wr60 fha) got hit by an uninsured gobsh.te in Toys are us when it was just 6months old.That looked very similar to yours,same height but the full side.New wing,new door,rear quarter jigged.Turned out ok in the end.Good luck.

 

[halilson]

I've just heard back from the insurance......
Cat D write off and £1345 if I want to keep the car or £2150 if I let them have the car!!! If I keep the car I have 60 days to repair and mot the car and send them proof. Otherwise they will cancel my insurance. What a load of b####cks.

 

[Doofer]

What's the basis of the £1345? Are they saying the scrap value would be £805?

Do you think you could get it fixed for £1345 (or less!)

I know exactly what I'd do - leave the crease, dab some paint on it to stop rusting, take the money, get an MOT and have a beer! But I know you're quite a car-proud sort, and you've already spent £wads making yours look like you want it to.

 

[evo-number-one]

I would be asking how they arrived at the market value for a car where there were less than 35 examples ever sold, and the last advertised one went for 40% more in the last month!

 

[halilson]

Yes they say the salvage value is 35%! I can't see a breaker paying over £800 for a written off Croma.
What annoys me is that insurance is supposed to be there for repairs if they are ever needed. I have an accident that wasn't my fault and I am the one out of pocket.