My 17 year old lad has a 1997 Peugeot 106, 43k on the clock.
Last night he reversed, not realising the passenger door was closed, and the door was damaged on a low brick wall.
The door still closes, albeit now with a gap with the body that you can see daylight through.
We took it to two garages, both said the door needs replacing. Which I can believe. It's badly crumpled near the hinges. We've already received the quote from one of the garages, £1168.
Now, the car was purchased 6 weeks ago for 1350 (Private sale).
If my lad claims, he'll have to pay 400 quid compulsory excess, and of course he'll lose any chance of his premium dropping next year (a likely drop of
600-800 quid).However, won't the insurance company consider a close on 1200 quid repair, on a 1350 quid (and the book price will be lower) car a write off ?
The car's perfectly OK still to drive about, and whether he claims or not, it's going to cost him 1200 quid either way to repair. I think I'm answering my own question here, but you've not spent the day with a distraught teenager :-)
Any advice or experience gratefully accepted !