Help - Rejecting write off settlement figure

[lou100]

Hi everybody, I've wrote my car off in an accident and have read that you should always reject the first offer. Although the figure is around what I expected realistically I cannot get the same car for what they are offering..... I want to write to reject it but not sure what to put or anything - help needed please from anybody who has been in this position......thanks..

[jake-the-peg]

You'll need to give evidence of the condition to back up your rejection. Full service history, even better if it's a full main dealer service history. Recent photographs note any optional extras alloy wheels etc.

Remember they are basing this on the value of your car, not necessarilly the value of a replacement. In the same way that if you sold your car you'd not necessarily be able to buy it back at the same price especially if it is through a dealer.

There is the insurance department of the financial services ombudsman as a last resort but when I investigated this a few years ago something like 80% of claims were found in favour of the insurance companies.

[andy-hughes]

If you choose to reject the offer, your insurance company will invite you to try and find three local dealers who will offer you a better deal, and to advise them if you find one. You won't, because assessors usually err on the side of generosity to prevent the rigmarole of checking out your claim.

I rejected the offer for my write-off, and checked around, and the nearest i could get was �300 below what the assessor advised as value, so I took the company offer.

By all means give it a go, but be preprared to end up accepting the offer. Don't worry about going back and agreeing - they would expect you to try this, but they will porbably still be the best offer in the end.

Good luck.

[lou100]

Thank you both for your answers. Its hopefully worth a go.

If they are not prepared to offer you anymore do they write back and tell you this and give you chance to accept their first offer?

Iam not sure how any of this works and I really hope I never have to deal with this again - the whole process is a nightmare and makes you realise that you are totally at the hands of these people and theres nothing you can do. !! sorry for the rant but I am just sick, this wasn't my fault and I am now without a car I loved!

[Loosehead]

This is a myth, in my experience the Insurance company offers the true market value of the vehicle, this happenned to me recently when my Motorbike was knocked over, they offerred about �500 more than I expected, I snapped their arm off! It is a sad fact that most people pay far too much for their vehicle and hence have an inflated idea of it's value. They also tend to think that accessories add value, very few do, try by all means but do not be surprised when you do not acheive more than you thought. You can always accept their best offer even after once rejecting it, good luck

[spaced]

Insurance done same to me. Best course of action is to get the cost of your car from Glass Guide and quote the cost to a non trader. Insurares always try and settle the amount using a trade cost. It worked with me and I got the full value back.