Is my car a write off ????

[cabriogirlx72]

Hi not been on here for a while but need your advice ,last wk i was in a car accident car went into the back off me i have a y reg 1.6 cc just coming upto 70k excellent pre accident condition.
Damage boot -it is slightly creased, bottom of boot lid damaged bumper knackered there is also damage behind the bumper,roof has developed a leak as well.
Took my car to lookers vw as advised by my insurance and now waiting for the insurance company to get back to me.But am panicking in case they write car off as it is in lovely condition do you guys think it will be written off any advice welcome.

[GrandadMonkey]

You can get your car repaired at a garage of your choice don't forget. Why would you get a 206cc repaired at a VW garage? Just because the insurance company have some "arrangement" with them? Insist on it being done at somewhere that specializes in Peugeots if it is to be repaired.

I suspect that the insurance company will try to write it off because the book value of a 12 year old car will be quite modest and the repair costs will be substantial. Just negotiate hard and insist on the best value for it using adverts for similar cars to prove your point about its value. If they do write it off remember that you can buy it back off the insurance company to get it repaired at your own cost, but be careful if considering that option. New boot lid, new bumper, damage to rear body, possible exhaust, suspension. With the roof leaking as well it has obviously affected the alignment in places and that can be a difficult job to get perfect again. Depends just what bits are bent, and how badly. It could be very expensive to put right.

Be pragmatic - a car is only a bit of metal and plastic - I'd start looking for another car to replace it from the insurance money so that you know how much it will cost you to replace it - you can then start to negotiate over the settlement amount when you know what the assessor says.

Good luck.

[gazza82]

Also remember that if you go for the buy-back and repair at your own cost option, the car gets classified as a Category C or D depending on the damage, etc. That will have to be reassessed by the VOSA at your cost(about £45) after the repairs otherwise you will be unable to sell-it on. The marker on the car at the DVLA will prevent it being re-registered. It will also affect the resale value unless you decide to keep it until it falls apart.

[cabriogirlx72]

Hi all thanks for the answers just found out today my car is definately a write off

[GrandadMonkey]

That's a common sense decision with a 12 year old car, so don't be too upset. Now you need to negotiate the best settlement so that you can replace the car with one of equal value. It needn't be a 206cc if you feel like a change.

Good luck with that. If the third party's insurance try to deduct any excess, don't let them. You need the full value of your car in the condition it was. We'd be interested to know how you get on and what car you buy.

Best Wishes.