Yet another insurance related question

Surveyor · 16 Jun 2022 at 00:34

Phemo said:
I am expecting to be bent over this renewal because nearly 3 years ago I was hit from behind too, in the same car although the damage was much less severe and it only really needed a new bumper. Although my renewal is due next month and I've already had a quote from them so I guess I'll need to get that reassessed if this fiasco is all settled before my renewal date.

Normally at this point I'd be questioning whether I'm doing something wrong, but last time I was at a standstill waiting at a roundabout and had been for 10+ seconds and this time I was gradually slowing to a halt because of stationary cars so I'm pretty confident my driving is not at fault and that I'm just unlucky.

Still not heard back about my car but I imagine it'll be a few days. They've at least given me a Merc B Class AMG Line as a loaner, albeit only a B180, but it's still decent enough.

Haven't you reported the accident to your insurance company yet?

Phemo · 16 Jun 2022 at 11:55

Yeah, told them straight away.

Surveyor said:
Haven't you reported the accident to your insurance company yet?

I have, yes. Got my renewal quote through the day before that incident occurred so I guess it won't be valid any more. Will make sure I speak to them before actually renewing.

Phemo · 21 Jun 2022 at 14:08

For anyone interested, it has indeed been deemed uneconomical to repair. Bit of a shame, but not unexpected. Now the fun of haggling for a payout begins.

teenwolf · 21 Jun 2022 at 14:10

Phemo said:
For anyone interested, it has indeed been deemed uneconomical to repair. Bit of a shame, but not unexpected. Now the fun of haggling for a payout begins.

defo worth buying back if you can get a good price on it.

good luck.

Phemo · 21 Jun 2022 at 15:01

I am kind of tempted to do that, it was a solid car and had never given me any problems at all. Only ever did oil and filter changes. I'd had the same brake discs and pads on for almost 50k miles too so it hadn't even cost me much on that front.

But at the same time, I wouldn't mind a change. It was a manual too and I really wouldn't mind getting an auto now. I'll see what kind of value I'm offered and go from there I guess.

OldKitMan · 21 Jun 2022 at 15:43

ask if they can send you the report of what work needs done so you can make an informed choice. It's most likely the labour and cost of new parts that are making it a write off. It may be possible to do it via second hand parts and a bit of body shop dent pulling. Depends if the chassis is bent though, you can possibly get the repairers estimate of work needing done via the insurer to see if you fancy it or not.

Phemo · 22 Jun 2022 at 13:10

That is tempting, but I need a car pretty quick for work so I can't really be without it for weeks while it's being repaired, annoyingly. They've made me an offer of £6408. I haven't done any proper digging yet, but I'm quite sure that's nowhere near enough to get me into a comparable car. It'll probably be the trade value but that doesn't exactly do me any good.

inflames · 22 Jun 2022 at 14:38

Do your research, see what the current going rate is for same model, make of your car and similar mileage. Did they give your a courtesy car?

Phemo · 22 Jun 2022 at 15:46

Cheapest I can find any for is 7k and they're a bit ropey - one had 5+ owners and a slightly dodgy MOT history whereas mine has only had 1 before me and the MOT history is perfect, not a single advisory on any test. I don't seem to be able to buy anything comparable for under 7.5k so I don't think asking for more money is unreasonable. I've put the case to them with a bunch of links so I'll expect to get told to jog on soon

I do at least have a courtesy car at the moment, yes, so that's something but I imagine they'll be wanting that back very soon indeed.

inflames · 22 Jun 2022 at 19:51

Phemo said:
Cheapest I can find any for is 7k and they're a bit ropey - one had 5+ owners and a slightly dodgy MOT history whereas mine has only had 1 before me and the MOT history is perfect, not a single advisory on any test. I don't seem to be able to buy anything comparable for under 7.5k so I don't think asking for more money is unreasonable. I've put the case to them with a bunch of links so I'll expect to get told to jog on soon

I do at least have a courtesy car at the moment, yes, so that's something but I imagine they'll be wanting that back very soon indeed.

Once you have been paid, they normally want it back within a few day. To be honest when I had someone write off one of my old car they under valued mine. I done the same and sent some links to adverts with cars of similar to mine. They matched it, but I then had to rush to find a new car.