write off

[bluebird34]

if you are involved in an accident and your car is deemed to be a write off, do you still only get the write off value if the accident was not your fault

[EDDIE51]

If your car is 'written off' you should get the value of it as it was before the accident. You do not have to accept the first value offered, in fact insurance companys normally offer a lower amount at first and will give a better offer if you refuse the 1st one.

[Old_Geezer]

I may misunderstand but isn't the write off value the same as the value the car was worth before the accident ? When I had a car that was 'written off' that was the amount agreed to after negotiation.

[bluebird34]

what i mean is am i likely to be offered the same whether the accident was my fault or not.

[Old_Geezer]

Of course. You get the value of the car, nothing extra. But I'd hope a no fault claim might be better on your record than a fault claim.

[bluebird34]

thank you for your help despite the user name I am female and have never been involved in an accident before. wouldn't want you to think a male could be so naive - wouldn't do would it!!

[New Judge]

You'd be surprised how naive some males may be, tomking. Knowledge and common sense are not qualities exclusive to the male of the species !!!

[dzug2]

It depends whose insurance you are claiming on - your own insurance may well try stick to the write off value regardless - though there is always scope for negotiation.

If you are claiming from the third party then you have a very strong case for its replacement value rather than write off value. If their insurance company won't play ball you sue them - not the company

[Maydup]

The claim is likley to come via the other person's insurer who will do their best to pay you as little as possible. They will make you an offer which you must refuse. Expalin that the car was in good condition for its age and well maintained. If you have evidence of regular services show them thise and generally fight your corner. You will be offered more. If that's more like it then you're there but its worth asking for one more review to see if you can acheive a thrid and higher payment. Good luck.

[SpikeyBush]

If the accident is your fault, the payout will be the agreed value less your excess. If it's not your fault you'll either get the full value from the TP's insurers, or value less excess from your insurers and reimbursement of your excess at a later stage from the TP's insurers which may be via your insurers, just to delay things a bit more for the sake of it.

[SpikeyBush]

yes I have heard of loadings of up to 5 per cent for a non fault accident, with justification being that the more experienced you are the more likely it is that you'll be able to avoid or anticipate someone else's mistake. Bear in mind that the 'someone else' here, while deemed at fault, may have no insurance and do a runner leaving you (and your insurers) liable for the loss.

Life is unfair. Get used to it.