HELP required Please...Insurance write Off / Replacement Car.....

ag.morley · 10-08-2008, 13:32

..........due to an unfortunate incident my Son's Fiat Panda 1.4 16v has been written off by his Insurance Company. It was a 57 plate (Feb 08) Blue Fiat Panda 1.4 16v (100 bhp) with 5k on the clock. So........Does he get a similar car/colour/mileage etc and do we have to except the replacement car.....First time we have had this experience so we are all in the dark......Any advice/comment welcome................Thanks Andy..

ScoobyChris · 10-08-2008, 13:41

Hope your son's ok, Andy!

In my limited experience, the insurance company will make you an offer for what they think the car is worth. Chances are it's way off the actual value and you'll likely want to reject it. If you want to speed up the process, go on Autotrader and find adverts with similar aged, spec, colour Panda's and send them the advertised prices.

The other option is he can buy the car back from them and get it repaired which, depending on the damage, may be an option....

Chris

smstext · 10-08-2008, 14:12

agree with scooby chris here, they will want prices of similar cars (inc spec) so have a look in autotrader and your local paper and refuse the first offer as they wont give you the best pay out on the first offer.

skorob2007 · 10-08-2008, 14:24

If they want similar age/spec cars, then try to send them the most expensive ones you find, usually at main dealers.Avoid sending details of used car supermarket ones, usually have very low prices.

heresmo · 10-08-2008, 14:34

I know nothing and it's probably of no help at the moment, but there have been discussions on here about gap insurance which might be worth a read for the future as it's meant to take up the difference when insurance value payout is less than replacement value (I think).

Reading between the lines, such insurance wouldn't be necessary if insurance companies paid top dollar, so, as said earlier, having some sort of negotiating info at the ready would be no bad thing.

I'm sorry to hear of your son's bad luck and also hope no-one was injured.

Regards
Mo

meg · 10-08-2008, 15:09

my friend is a manager at an insurance company and if the car is less then a year old they replace it.you dont get much say.it will be the same model ect as the one you had.

I also had my fiesta st stolen about 4 months ago and i was paid out in 3 weeks.if thats any help on time scale

**VRStu** · 10-08-2008, 15:23

Replacement vehicle is offered by some insurance companies but not all, if you have that cover - for a replacement car in the first year then it should be a new car.

If it's just a fully comprehensive policy they'll just pay current value, as already sad first offer will be a 'chancer'.

If the accident was a non fault and he has motor legal protection you can pursue the third parties insurer for any losses.

ag.morley · 10-08-2008, 17:07

Thanks for all the replies, the only thing dented is his pride and his wallet, £750 excess

.............He's only just 18, he's learning. The car was on finance, will the Insurance company pay the finance company what he owes and then is that the end of it or will he have to take another car ?..........

**VRStu** · 10-08-2008, 17:10

Again it depends on the Policy Andy. If he has replacement car in the first year then it may be open to discussion, if he has an ordinary fully comp policy then they just offer what they can get away with based on current market value.

Dr Zoidberg · 10-08-2008, 17:33

Check exactly what the policy says.
It's quite common but not universal that they will replace a vehicle that's been written off in the first 12 months with a brand new one.

If they don't have this clause then it's the standard thing that they will offer you the market value of your car. As others have said it's very likely that the first offer will be too low so you'll need to prove that you need a certain amount to replace it with an equivalent vehicle. Main dealer adverts are the way to go here.

Also you don't say who's fault it was that it got written off. If it's his fault then it will be a claim from his own insurance company and the excess will apply.

If it's not his fault then you should be looking at a claim from the third parties insurance - either direct or by claiming on your own and then getting them to reclaim the costs. If that's the case then you shouldn't lose out on the excess though it may be a case of it being paid out by your own insureres first and you get the excess back when it's all sorted out.

Finally , it's also not unheard of that in the event of a total loss claim the policy is terminated - you don't get the remains of the year transferred onto the new car. Even if they have just replaced your car for you , you may struggle to get it insured as you'll have an "at fault" claim and no NCB

ag.morley · 10-08-2008, 17:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr Zoidberg

Also you don't say who's fault it was that it got written off. If it's his fault then it will be a claim from his own insurance company and the excess will apply.

It was his fault, no other car/persons involved and it cost him his Excess of £250 + £500 voluntary ( £750 )..............He'll learn....

Just to add, No one was Injured so thats a blessing.

Captain Sisko · 10-08-2008, 17:42

Not sure how it works on a PCP/HP package

When my Astra got written off in 2005 I only got £1k for it.
A good price considering we bought it 4 years warlier for £3 and when it got written off the values varied a fair bit.
Only downer was £400 excess

It has gone the other way with my Skoda.
I bought it for £750 and last year the insurers were going to write it off for £1100 after it got sideswiped and only had 1 damaged panel.
I did have to pay the £100 excess initally but got that back

Hope your sons ok though.

**mannyo** · 10-08-2008, 18:01

Hope your son is ok.

The only issue I can see, is if the insurers want to pay out less than is owed on the finance policy. Unless he has gap insurance, then you son will also have to pay the difference between the insurance settlement figure and the outstanding finance balance. This could be quiet a lot if the car was nearly new and the finance over a long period.

Dr Zoidberg · 10-08-2008, 19:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by ag.morley

It was his fault, no other car/persons involved and it cost him his Excess of £250 + £500 voluntary ( £750 )..............He'll learn....

Just to add, No one was Injured so thats a blessing.

Pretty straightforward then.

It's just a matter of whether his policy will replace the car or pay market value and that depends on what's in the T&Cs.

It sounds like the best option would be a good cash sum so he can clear the finance and then see what he can afford to buy and insure after.

ric04vrs · 10-08-2008, 19:34

there was an 08 100hp in the trader , with 1300 miles for £7990, but i think that was a special offer price with the Trader advert

ScoobyChris · 10-08-2008, 19:39

FiatSupaSaver.com have new ones for £7995 (with no options). Best not mention that to your insurers

Chris

ag.morley · 10-08-2008, 19:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScoobyChris

FiatSupaSaver.com have new ones for £7995 (with no options). Best not mention that to your insurers

Chris

Don't think the 100bhp have any options, Think there all the same apart from the colour.........No dout I'm wrong though................

ScoobyChris · 10-08-2008, 20:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by ag.morley

Don't think the 100bhp have any options, Think there all the same apart from the colour.........No dout I'm wrong though................

Yeah unless you get a white one you'll be paying for metallic paint. Think mine was around £200 extra but that web site have it for £360. Only other options I can remember are ESP and audio upgrade, but I can't see any point in either of them

Chris

gadgetman · 10-08-2008, 20:07

Really hope you took out GAP insurance!

heresmo · 10-08-2008, 21:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by gadgetman

Really hope you took out GAP insurance!

I'm just querying here, but if it's under finance, wouldn't one expect the finance co to have sorted that? I know I was the one who mentioned gap insurance in the first place on this thread, but didn't know the car was under finance then. Me not know.

Regards
Mo

gadgetman · 10-08-2008, 21:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by heresmo

I'm just querying here, but if it's under finance, wouldn't one expect the finance co to have sorted that? I know I was the one who mentioned gap insurance in the first place on this thread, but didn't know the car was under finance then. Me not know.

Regards
Mo

Some include by default, others charge for it - upto £10/20 month. So many drivers opt to save the cash not thinking of the consiquences if they crash....

10-08-2008, 13:32	#1
ag.morley Insecure Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: right on track........ Posts: 4,902 Thanks: 12 Thanked 79 Times in 33 Posts	HELP required Please...Insurance write Off / Replacement Car..... ..........due to an unfortunate incident my Son's Fiat Panda 1.4 16v has been written off by his Insurance Company. It was a 57 plate (Feb 08) Blue Fiat Panda 1.4 16v (100 bhp) with 5k on the clock. So........Does he get a similar car/colour/mileage etc and do we have to except the replacement car.....First time we have had this experience so we are all in the dark......Any advice/comment welcome................Thanks Andy.. __________________ Join Now------>>>>><<<<<------woN nioJ............ "quote".... You can put lipstick on a pig; BUT it's still a pig,"...."unquote"...Barack Obama 2008

10-08-2008, 13:41	#2
ScoobyChris Briskodian Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Andover Posts: 18,193 Thanks: 15 Thanked 335 Times in 289 Posts	Re: HELP required Please...Insurance write Off / Replacement Car..... Hope your son's ok, Andy! In my limited experience, the insurance company will make you an offer for what they think the car is worth. Chances are it's way off the actual value and you'll likely want to reject it. If you want to speed up the process, go on Autotrader and find adverts with similar aged, spec, colour Panda's and send them the advertised prices. The other option is he can buy the car back from them and get it repaired which, depending on the damage, may be an option.... Chris __________________ Holding up the traffic in a little Italian..........

10-08-2008, 14:12	#3
smstext 2.0 FSI Sport. Join Date: May 2007 Location: oxon Posts: 9,380 Thanks: 11 Thanked 286 Times in 260 Posts	Re: HELP required Please...Insurance write Off / Replacement Car..... agree with scooby chris here, they will want prices of similar cars (inc spec) so have a look in autotrader and your local paper and refuse the first offer as they wont give you the best pay out on the first offer. __________________ Oxon Meet Feeler 2009 please add your input, click here

10-08-2008, 14:24	#4
skorob2007 Briskodian Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Peterborough Posts: 609 Thanks: 37 Thanked 78 Times in 54 Posts	Re: HELP required Please...Insurance write Off / Replacement Car..... If they want similar age/spec cars, then try to send them the most expensive ones you find, usually at main dealers.Avoid sending details of used car supermarket ones, usually have very low prices.

10-08-2008, 14:34	#5
heresmo Briskodian Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 12,515 Thanks: 50 Thanked 139 Times in 119 Posts	Re: HELP required Please...Insurance write Off / Replacement Car..... I know nothing and it's probably of no help at the moment, but there have been discussions on here about gap insurance which might be worth a read for the future as it's meant to take up the difference when insurance value payout is less than replacement value (I think). Reading between the lines, such insurance wouldn't be necessary if insurance companies paid top dollar, so, as said earlier, having some sort of negotiating info at the ready would be no bad thing. I'm sorry to hear of your son's bad luck and also hope no-one was injured. Regards Mo __________________

10-08-2008, 15:09	#6
meg Briskodian Join Date: May 2008 Location: Merseyside Posts: 273 Thanks: 0 Thanked 7 Times in 7 Posts	Re: HELP required Please...Insurance write Off / Replacement Car..... my friend is a manager at an insurance company and if the car is less then a year old they replace it.you dont get much say.it will be the same model ect as the one you had. I also had my fiesta st stolen about 4 months ago and i was paid out in 3 weeks.if thats any help on time scale

10-08-2008, 15:23	#7
VRStu Briskoda Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Hampshire Posts: 20,728 Thanks: 139 Thanked 983 Times in 880 Posts	Re: HELP required Please...Insurance write Off / Replacement Car..... Replacement vehicle is offered by some insurance companies but not all, if you have that cover - for a replacement car in the first year then it should be a new car. If it's just a fully comprehensive policy they'll just pay current value, as already sad first offer will be a 'chancer'. If the accident was a non fault and he has motor legal protection you can pursue the third parties insurer for any losses. __________________ Stu Stu's Websites - http://www.fabia-vrs.com & http://www.octavia-vrs.com Stu's Car - 2008 Audi S3 - Ibis White, Black Optics Pack, Privacy Glass, Auto Bi Xenon Headlights, Rain Sensing Wipers, Bose Sound System, Ipod Prep, GSM Phone Prep, Flat Bottom Multi Function Steering Wheel, Electric Folding Mirrors, Acoustic Parking, Cruise Control, Interior Light Pack, Non Smokers Pack. SWMBO's Car - 2008 Seat LEON TDi Stylance, Black Magic, Sports Pack, Rear Parking Sensors. Something for Weekend - A Patio

10-08-2008, 17:07	#8
ag.morley Insecure Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: right on track........ Posts: 4,902 Thanks: 12 Thanked 79 Times in 33 Posts	Re: HELP required Please...Insurance write Off / Replacement Car..... Thanks for all the replies, the only thing dented is his pride and his wallet, £750 excess .............He's only just 18, he's learning. The car was on finance, will the Insurance company pay the finance company what he owes and then is that the end of it or will he have to take another car ?.......... __________________ Join Now------>>>>><<<<<------woN nioJ............ "quote".... You can put lipstick on a pig; BUT it's still a pig,"...."unquote"...Barack Obama 2008

10-08-2008, 17:10	#9
VRStu Briskoda Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Hampshire Posts: 20,728 Thanks: 139 Thanked 983 Times in 880 Posts	Re: HELP required Please...Insurance write Off / Replacement Car..... Again it depends on the Policy Andy. If he has replacement car in the first year then it may be open to discussion, if he has an ordinary fully comp policy then they just offer what they can get away with based on current market value. __________________ Stu Stu's Websites - http://www.fabia-vrs.com & http://www.octavia-vrs.com Stu's Car - 2008 Audi S3 - Ibis White, Black Optics Pack, Privacy Glass, Auto Bi Xenon Headlights, Rain Sensing Wipers, Bose Sound System, Ipod Prep, GSM Phone Prep, Flat Bottom Multi Function Steering Wheel, Electric Folding Mirrors, Acoustic Parking, Cruise Control, Interior Light Pack, Non Smokers Pack. SWMBO's Car - 2008 Seat LEON TDi Stylance, Black Magic, Sports Pack, Rear Parking Sensors. Something for Weekend - A Patio

10-08-2008, 17:33	#10
Dr Zoidberg Briskodian Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: On the back of an AA truck with a failed turbo Posts: 10,728 Thanks: 30 Thanked 192 Times in 143 Posts	Re: HELP required Please...Insurance write Off / Replacement Car..... Check exactly what the policy says. It's quite common but not universal that they will replace a vehicle that's been written off in the first 12 months with a brand new one. If they don't have this clause then it's the standard thing that they will offer you the market value of your car. As others have said it's very likely that the first offer will be too low so you'll need to prove that you need a certain amount to replace it with an equivalent vehicle. Main dealer adverts are the way to go here. Also you don't say who's fault it was that it got written off. If it's his fault then it will be a claim from his own insurance company and the excess will apply. If it's not his fault then you should be looking at a claim from the third parties insurance - either direct or by claiming on your own and then getting them to reclaim the costs. If that's the case then you shouldn't lose out on the excess though it may be a case of it being paid out by your own insureres first and you get the excess back when it's all sorted out. Finally , it's also not unheard of that in the event of a total loss claim the policy is terminated - you don't get the remains of the year transferred onto the new car. Even if they have just replaced your car for you , you may struggle to get it insured as you'll have an "at fault" claim and no NCB __________________ Alex "I laugh in the face of danger, then I hide until it goes away" www.drzoidberg.co.uk

10-08-2008, 17:42	#12
Captain Sisko Friskodian Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Deep Space 9 Posts: 2,384 Thanks: 43 Thanked 135 Times in 132 Posts	Re: HELP required Please...Insurance write Off / Replacement Car..... Not sure how it works on a PCP/HP package When my Astra got written off in 2005 I only got £1k for it. A good price considering we bought it 4 years warlier for £3 and when it got written off the values varied a fair bit. Only downer was £400 excess It has gone the other way with my Skoda. I bought it for £750 and last year the insurers were going to write it off for £1100 after it got sideswiped and only had 1 damaged panel. I did have to pay the £100 excess initally but got that back Hope your sons ok though. __________________ 98 Felicia 1.6 GLXI 110500 miles Clickable for "boring" info

10-08-2008, 18:01	#13
mannyo BRISKODA Staff Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Stevenage Herts. Posts: 11,439 Thanks: 56 Thanked 356 Times in 328 Posts	Re: HELP required Please...Insurance write Off / Replacement Car..... Hope your son is ok. The only issue I can see, is if the insurers want to pay out less than is owed on the finance policy. Unless he has gap insurance, then you son will also have to pay the difference between the insurance settlement figure and the outstanding finance balance. This could be quiet a lot if the car was nearly new and the finance over a long period. __________________ Manny 2005 Octavia 2.0TDi Elegance combi my skoda website http://www.octaviars.co.uk Join the briskoda.net folding team click Here for more info

10-08-2008, 19:34	#15
ric04vrs I parked up 1st Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: not near enough to the Ring Posts: 6,152 Thanks: 31 Thanked 187 Times in 181 Posts	Re: HELP required Please...Insurance write Off / Replacement Car..... there was an 08 100hp in the trader , with 1300 miles for £7990, but i think that was a special offer price with the Trader advert __________________ not so bored now

10-08-2008, 19:39	#16
ScoobyChris Briskodian Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Andover Posts: 18,193 Thanks: 15 Thanked 335 Times in 289 Posts	Re: HELP required Please...Insurance write Off / Replacement Car..... FiatSupaSaver.com have new ones for £7995 (with no options). Best not mention that to your insurers Chris __________________ Holding up the traffic in a little Italian..........

10-08-2008, 20:07	#19
gadgetman Go Gadget Octy! Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 3,302 Thanks: 201 Thanked 115 Times in 108 Posts	Re: HELP required Please...Insurance write Off / Replacement Car..... Really hope you took out GAP insurance! __________________ Lick the window of life Why not join the Briskoda Last.fm group?

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