Appealing against a write-off decision?

[WesleyP]

My daughter span and damaged her Polo in the snow the other night. Looking at the damage I think it is touch and go wether it is repairable or not bearing in mind the age of the car. (52 reg). She wants the car back, not withstanding the fact that I've just spent over £800 on an engine overhaul. If the insurance write it off, is it possible to appeal against it if it is borderline? I don't know how they cost up spares, but all the panels and lights required can be got on Ebay at a price that I bet is far less than dealer prices. Thanks for your help.

[adamss24]

Why did she had to make a claim ? You can buy-it back and repair-it then put the car back on the road but it will most likely need a VIC test...

[WesleyP]

There's going to be a claim anyway as she damaged another car unfortunately.

[adamss24]

Yeah, but if you don't claim does it still needs to be recorded on the VIC register ? I don't think so !

[martin1810]

It only becomes recorded if you make a claim. No claim then not recorded as a write off.
What ever you do don't give the log book to the insurers. I know of one case where an insurer asked to see the log book and then wrote the car off without asking the owner. They apologised but said you couldn't unwrite a write off. If you intend keeping the car forever, let them write it off. Buy it back and fix it with parts from ebay. Lots of people do.

[zollaf]

a friend last year pranged his discovery. it was beyond economical repair, but would have been cheap enough with used parts. his insurers inspected it and agreed, but refused point blank to let him buy it back. it ended up going for scrap, but only once it was stripped bare of anything of any value. i didnt think they could actually do this myself, but it appears they can.

[martin1810]

Once you accept a payout the car belongs to the insurers and they can do what they like.
If you don't claim, you can do what you like. I have seen insurers write cars off because the door locks were damaged.

[scotty33]

I don't know if it possible, but can you make a claim to cover the other vehicle, but not claim for the damage to your daughter's?
this would keep the ball in your court.
Or enquire whether it would be possible to buy the car back before you make the claim. Try stating that you won't accept any settlement where the car is not returned to you?
All of these depend on which category the write off is,
cat D is basically minor damage, but too expensive to be repaired, No ViC check required
cat C is more severe damage, inc structural/suspension damaged, VIC check required,

Beyond this it can only be broken I think?

the VIC check only ensures that it is the same car/chassis as it should be, nothing to do with roadworthiness.