The great INSURANCE CON

[reetp]

FYI with the claim I just had on my Terrano where my wife had an unscheduled 4x4 experience (!) the underwriters originally offered 1750 less 500 breakers less excess. Although in Spain, the insurance was actually with Lloyds in the UK and was under English law.

They ended up paying me 2000 flat (the car is worth far more here than in the UK - I couldn't get an equivalent for under about EUR 3000!). I wasn't bothered about it being like new - it is 17 years old - so I was realistic in my expectations. Had the car repaired with second hand bits and bobs and all is pretty again. Even got an extra 'new' wing in with it.

I had to fight and argue, but kept my cool.

I had the benefit of a second car and told them I was in no rush for mine back and would argue them to the hell and back if I had to.

Answer is don't let them bully you. Be polite ALL the time, but firm. Be prepared to compromise, but that doesn't mean you have to give in.....

[melissachels]

I heard they're now trying to MAKE you send your car way & not giving you it back feck that cos I know I can fix my car cheaper then they can no matter how much damage was done & I'd quite happily take it to vosa for inspection. 3rd party fire & theft is great tho cos they're not interested in your car.

[magsleon]

Some time ago we had a lovely BMW 520 which got wrote off we were lucky in the fact Maggie worked in the motor business at the time and the car had been recovered back to a compound there. A figure had been agreed for the car and we were waiting for the insurance to come and collect it, meanwhile some friends called in from a BMW club and asked about how the car was doing and was told it was written off. they asked if they could see it and couldn't believe it had been pointed toward the scrap yard, they told us to buy back the car from the insurance and they would fix it. We got the car back for next to nothing and the lads took it away. When it came back it was just like new and they only charged us for parts and everything else was good will. So thats another option people might have,to buy back off the insurance and get it fixed under their own steam.

[Banshee]

I've just read through this an it concerned me if I'm honest so I rang up my insurance company (Adrian Flux)

They have told me that if the car is CAT A or B I will not get the car back at all and it will be scrapped outright by law however, CAT C & D as long as when you make the claim if I was to specify that I wanted to keep the vehicle I would be offered either the value of the car before the accident or I will be offered the opportunity to buy it back at the scrap value that is determined by the assesor

I hope this is helpful

[jims-terrano]

Interesting timing as I'm just waiting to hear from our insurance company. Don't really fancy buying it back tho but I can see a nice battle taking place.

[macabethiel]

Some years back my Carlton was stolen and when recovered the dashboard had been removed not just the instrument cluster the whole dash. The steering column had been 'scaffolded' to break the steering lock.

I drove the vehicle home from the Police Garage in Derby and was offered naff all by the insurers as the vehicle was about 8 years old but in good nick with a recent set of tyres, new rear shockers and recent new fuel tank. They would not repair it so after several fax exchanges I said I would only accept a write off from them if they included the salvage.
I was told I could not buy the salvage as they were contracted to sell all such write offs to one particular salvage buyer for £200 irrespective of the amount of damage.

I persisted and eventually spoke to the loss adjuster and they let me 'buy the salvage' at a cost deducted from the payout. I had priced up second hand parts to fix it at a local breaker for £250. I repaired the vehicle myself, forked out for an Engineers Report and new MoT and was back on the road in about 4 weeks. I kept the car another 3 years and my brother had it off me and he got rid when it turned 230,000 miles having never had any engine or auto gearbox repairs.

I have just bought myself another car to replace my Mini Cooper that I have had for almost 7 years. I am very tempted to buy 3 years of 'back to invoice gap insurance' as at £90 it seems a good buy. (The dealer wanted £299 for the same thing!)

My mate thinks Gap Insurance is only worthwhile on a new car but I am tempted by the cover it offers

[briggie]

Originally Posted by jims-terrano

Interesting timing as I'm just waiting to hear from our insurance company. Don't really fancy buying it back tho but I can see a nice battle taking place.

never ever take the first offer they give you jim if its wrote off

[11redrex]

macabethiel where can you get gap insurance for £99 ?

[macabethiel]

The firm I had the quote from is highly rated by Which Magazine its called ala.co.uk the website gives you a choice of cover & types.

[jonela]

About ten years ago I had the back of my van smashed, it was derivable so I got it home .
The insurance sent a loss adjuster round and he said it was a write off. and offered me the
book value on the spot ( less excess) and said The van would then become the property of the insurance company, But I could buy it back for 30£ so I did and ran it for another 12 months and then sold it !. if they could do that then, what's changed ?.

[jims-terrano]

Originally Posted by briggie

never ever take the first offer they give you jim if its wrote off

Alas Pete they've decided to fix her up. Better be a good job or I'll not be accepting it back.

[briggie]

Originally Posted by jims-terrano

Alas Pete they've decided to fix her up. Better be a good job or I'll not be accepting it back.

did you know that you can tell them the place / garage you prefer the repair ?

also , check your car over very thoroughly when they bring it back for scratches / standard of repair etc BEFORE SIGNING THE DELIVERY SHEET