So what was the point of that then? Car written off but raised from the dead

[OrmRenewed]

Our car was written off by the insurers engineer yesterday. Not that surprising as it's S Reg and the damage was quite expensive. But we want to keep it - with old cars better the devil you know is my opinion and it's been reliable and cheap to run. So they are willing to pay the write-off value, minus excess and 250 for salvage. And the remaining amount more than covers the repairs costs..... so why write it off?

The logic eludes me

[prh47bridge]

It depends which category it was. I hope it isn't category A or B as that means you aren't allowed to repair it - the engineer has decided that the damage to critical components is such that the car cannot be repaired safely.

If it is in category C they will have assessed the repair costs using the list prices for parts and labour. If you use a cheap garage and/or second hand parts you may be able to repair the car for significantly less than the insurance estimate.

If it is in category D the car wasn't written off due to the repair costs. Other factors such as replacement car hire being too costly or too long a lead time on getting a part have led to it being written off.

[OrmRenewed]

IT was 'C' ph47. They wouldn't have let us do it if it was A or B.

The garage we took it too originally quoted us 1200 - 1500 to fix but that price included the MOT as well. So we may well do OK.

Thanks

[prh47bridge]

I would have been seriously worried if they'd let you have a category A or B car back!

As it is category C, their estimate of costs must be rather higher than your garage's quote. As long as your garage do a decent job you'll be fine - a car that works plus some money in your pocket! That's what I call a result, especially after the worry you had initially about your MOT.

[OrmRenewed]

Yep!

Am feeling quite chipper I must admit. Assuming there aren't any nasty little extra surprises on the MOT. But I suspect our insurance premiums may well hurt a bit more now...

And nothing from the police about a FPN for driving without an MOT.

[OldLadyKnowsNothing]

Insurers have to use brand new parts, regardless of the age of the car, so while it may be economical for an owner to buy back the written-off car and fix it with reconditioned or used parts, the insurance company can't do this.

Good news, though.

[OrmRenewed]

It is very good news!

THe steering rack has to be brand new though. Not sure what else needs doing but I guess they could be the using second-hand. Apparetly the inspector hardly looked at the damage before writing it off.