macabethiel
Well-known member
- Joined
- Aug 20, 2008
- Messages
- 4,412
Insurance Rip Offs what about Gap Insurance
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
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
