Think I've written off my car! 😔

[ChrisEdu]

Awful conditions tonight. Took my eldest to Gatwick. On way home, coming off a roundabout, pulled into outside lane, as a lorry was on inside throwing up loads of spray. Hit deep standing water, lost steering and sideswiped the barrier. Damaged every offside panel and front wheel! Gutted.

 

[Steveml63]

Ouch.
Hope you and any passengers are OK - metal can always be fixed or replaced!

 

[MikeInWimbledon]

Sorry to hear. Hope you're OK, apart from the usual pain the admin.

 

[ChrisEdu]

Yeah, my son and I are fine, though it will probably hit me emotionally later.

Spoken to insurer (Aviva) and they're going to write it off, as expect, due to the amount of damage and age of car.

To be fair, the panels don't look too bad, but I suspect hidden damage based on the visible to the front wheel which took the brunt on the impact.

What makes it worse is having just spent about £1k on new tyres, new injector, etc...

I'll now have to wait to see what miserly offer they make me for the car. Considering it's been well cared for and only done about 84000 miles, it will be hard to replace with similar, I suspect. Currently, tempted to try going car free for a bit, as I rarely need to drive these days anyway - basically only for medical appointments!

 

[ChrisEdu]

BTW, can anybody advise me what I do regarding keeping my personalised registration plate?

 

[MissyD]

Sorry to hear that Chris, glad you are both ok.

 

[zipdip]

Not a expert but I think a pal of mine just put the numbers on retention when his car was smashed up,and told the insurance company after he did it.

 

[ChrisEdu]

Not a expert but I think a pal of mine just put the numbers on retention when his car was smashed up,and told the insurance company after he did it.

I presume with DVLA?

 

[oldguy57]

I presume with DVLA?

Yes easy to do online, as well as declaring it off the road.

 

[ChrisEdu]

Out of interest, what would people suggest a fair value for the car should be?

It's a facelift Sept 06 W211 E320CDi Avantgarde with approx 84000 miles.

Just curious so I don't get shafted by insurance company!

 

[ChrisEdu]

Yes easy to do online, as well as declaring it off the road.

Thank you. Will look into it later, or at weekend.

 

[HappytalkAgain]

Glad you’re ok Chris. It’s really all that matters after an incident.

If you are considering going car free then you’re in a position to reject the insurers offer multiple times. Emphasising how well cared for the car was. You’re in no rush for the cash (for a replacement anyhow).

 

[ChrisEdu]

Glad you’re ok Chris. It’s really all that matters after an incident.

If you are considering going car free then you’re in a position to reject the insurers offer multiple times. Emphasising how well cared for the car was. You’re in no rush for the cash (for a replacement anyhow).

Interesting.

I've never had to deal with anything like this, so it's all new to me.

 

[SpikyMikey]

What a complete PITA.
At least you're both OK
As The Happy Geezer states, don't take any old snash from your insurance company. even though they will undoubtedly try your patience.

 

[StMarks]

Yeah, my son and I are fine, though it will probably hit me emotionally later.

Spoken to insurer (Aviva) and they're going to write it off, as expect, due to the amount of damage and age of car.

To be fair, the panels don't look too bad, but I suspect hidden damage based on the visible to the front wheel which took the brunt on the impact.

What makes it worse is having just spent about £1k on new tyres, new injector, etc...

I'll now have to wait to see what miserly offer they make me for the car. Considering it's been well cared for and only done about 84000 miles, it will be hard to replace with similar, I suspect. Currently, tempted to try going car free for a bit, as I rarely need to drive these days anyway - basically only for medical appointments!

Pleased to learn that you are both ok.

As another option, how about you accept an offer from Aviva, and retain the salvage for a small portion (as it was such a good car). Then pay a reputable repairer to repair it for you.
Someone else may well do so, even if you don't : She lives on!!! | General Discussion

 

[grober]

Private (personalised) number plates

Buy a private (personalised) number plate, assign it or transfer it to a vehicle - renew or update your entitlement certificate.

www.gov.uk

 

[SmartAmg]

Glad your both ok, Chris.

 

[Londonscottish]

That's a real bummer. Always annoying as it's so hard to find something comparable without shelling out a lot more.

 

[fabes]

As said above, put the plates on retention via DVLA website - had to do this for a friend years back. There is a small fee, but the plates are no doubt worth it.

AT will provide guidance on retail as their 'Good Price' measure, accepted market valuations (ish)
The insurer of daughters boyfriends Corsa which he wrote off three months ago (after buying it from us ) matched what I had lined up from AT first time without challenge
But yes you can reject and have a little fun with them, if you've the energy or appetite for that though Chris.....

You can enquire on the buy back value of the car (wont be a huge amount, despite its weight as there isn't a huge demand for these I would expect compared to what is more mainstream these days) and then use the rest of the claim money to have used panels put on if a garage gives you a view on the underside repairs needed.

This latter is the gamble point though.
You buy it back sight unseen unless you can access the yard where it is stored to get personal belongings from it - the reason I used many years ago when our own car was written off...
If you can be driven there by a friendly and honest 'expert' , they could save you buying it to only have to scrap or break it yourself.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Sorry to hear your news, but glad to hear you’re all unscathed. I hope the claim and everything goes with passes without hitch.