Write offs and salvage, how does it work?

[K.C. Leblanc]

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?

 

[K.C. Leblanc]

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).

 

[K.C. Leblanc]

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).

 

[K.C. Leblanc]

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.

 

[K.C. Leblanc]

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.