Write offs and salvage, how does it work?

K.C. Leblanc · 6 May 2010 at 18:26

Ok, my Neon Failmobile has had a little mishap with the recycling lorry.

Now since it's only worth about £4.50 it will be written off although the damage is only cosmetic.

The recycling company's people have made me an offer on the basis that I can also keep the salvage. However the car will be recorded as a write off (Cat C).

How much hassle is it to put it back on the road? I was under the impression that the car would need a new MOT. However the engineer from the insurance company has told me this is only the case when the damage makes the car unroadworthy. Is this correct?

Liquidfox · 6 May 2010 at 18:36

You'll need the repairs done, and since it's a CAT C, then you'll need a VIC done.

Source

K.C. Leblanc · 6 May 2010 at 18:58

So no need for another MOT?

And also it would seem as long as it's taxed I can still use the car if it's VICed (although it would appear I can't tax it).

Liquidfox · 6 May 2010 at 19:48

Nothing mentioned there, it would all depend on what your insurance company says. They may require an MoT to show that it is roadworthy after the crash.

Pete19s · 6 May 2010 at 20:17

Had my car written off CAT D at the end of last year after it was hit, only sustained front wing damage.. You will need to have a V.I.C as already mentioned along with a new M.O.T and to re-apply for the V5 also. Im supprised it was written off as a CAT C if it was only light panel damage though.

paradigm · 6 May 2010 at 20:18

Pete19s said:
Im supprised it was written off as a CAT C if it was only light panel damage though.

This.

If the damage is only cosmetic, it wouldn't be classified as a CAT C.

K.C. Leblanc · 6 May 2010 at 20:22

paradigm said:
This.

If the damage is only cosmetic, it wouldn't be classified as a CAT C.

It hasn't yet been written off yet. Since the car is drivable I'm still using it, the insurers have inspected it and made an offer. The paper work states Cat C (I'm a little surprised as well).

Pete19s · 6 May 2010 at 20:23

Will see if I can dig out my letter from insurance company regarding write-off's and how they work out what classification it is. I suppose the only bonus of being CAT C is that when re-applying for the V5 you dont have to pay the fee for a new one.

Joshy · 6 May 2010 at 20:53

paradigm said:
This.

If the damage is only cosmetic, it wouldn't be classified as a CAT C.

Not this.

All it means is that the parts and labour costs of an approved repairer is going to exceed the value of the car.

Tinders · 6 May 2010 at 21:46

Joshy is right, its all down to the value of the car and repairs etc, ive seen some barely scratched cars at salvage yards as cat c, its just the cars were worth about 3p.

K.C. Leblanc · 7 May 2010 at 08:42

Thanks for clearing that up guys, I think you're right about the CAT C thing.

There were two estimates done for repairs, and both came in around 2 grand. The damage is to the rear quarter panel, it also doesn't help that Chysler parts prices are quite high. The car was worth about £600. I've been offered £500 and the car.

EDIT: As long as it doesn't give me difficulties putting the car back on the road I doesn't bother me what class of write off it is since the value of the car is negligible. The main thing is I don't want too much hastle to reregister it or have to keep the car off the road for any length of time.

Locky · 7 May 2010 at 08:59

paradigm said:
This.

If the damage is only cosmetic, it wouldn't be classified as a CAT C.

I Have seen many CAT C with light pannel damage.

InvaderGIR · 7 May 2010 at 09:24

Surely it's better to just buy a new car?

Dogbreath · 7 May 2010 at 11:03

paradigm said:
This.

If the damage is only cosmetic, it wouldn't be classified as a CAT C.

As explained here, the total loss categories C and D are not based purely on the extent of damage, but on the relative costs of the repair (including associated costs such as car rental) and the worth of the vehicle. On vehicles worth very little it takes hardly any damage to get a Cat C total loss.

Obviously on newer cars a Cat C total loss would tend to indicate significant damage.

K.C. Leblanc · 7 May 2010 at 11:05

InvaderGIR said:
Surely it's better to just buy a new car?

It fits my plans much better to replace it in a years time. The car passed an MOT about 2 months ago and should last another year. By the time I've got the paper work sorted I'll have £450ish to stick in my pocket.

It'll probably be less bother then finding a car for £600, certainly less bother then finding a car for £200 that'll last the year (especialy since I wouldn't have a car to go car hunting in).

I don't mind having a rubbish car, I don't use my car to get to work. I only have it for visiting friends out of town and my parents.

Any who, I definatly won't have to re MOT it. The main reason I ask is I don't want to suddenly find myself without a valid MOT since I have no where off the road to park.