Went out today and bought a 1997 D90 to replace the written off
1992 D90. That hurt but at least I am now back in action.The value I declared for insurance purposes turns out to have been rather low. Also, I have since spent money on new parts and taken time to carry out repairs and adjustments. Is the declared value taken as the ceiling for compensation or can I negotiate for a higher figure taking these improvements into account?
Next, I have a friend who would like to buy the engine from the written off vehicle and it occurs to me that the rest of the wreck could easily join the two Peugeot 504's in the corner of my field to add to my easily accessible collection of spares. But the insurer muttered something about having a contract with a parts dealer so, he said,(quote) "your friend will not be getting the engine". I politely pointed out that it was MY Land Rover until negotiations had been concluded and, at the time of our discussions, they had not even begun!
What is my position? It really does seem as if they have me by the short and curlies -- which is why I bought the replacement D90. At least I am now back in action, even if broke in the process.
What are my rights to buying the salvage? How difficult can they be and do I have any right of appeal? And if so, who to?
I spoke to VOSA about the procedure for putting a total write off back on the road after repair and that seems remarkably straight forward. So as soon as these negotiations are concluded, that is obviously something I will be looking into.
Can they really tell me what to do with my own property?
Derry