Crash Damage

From a reply on uk.rec.cars.misc in reply to a query I made on

::>In article , ::> snipped-for-privacy@mga61.freeserve.co.uk says... ::>

::>> Andrew, ::>> Salvage categories: ::>> A scrap ::>> B strip for parts only, cannot go back onto the road ::>> C cost of repairs exceed market value but ok to be repaired and go back on ::>> the road ::>> D constructive total loss.- cost of repairs plus salvage value exceed market ::>> value. can be repaired and go back on the road. ::>> ::>To add... ::>

::>To get Cat C removed, you'll need to take it to an approved centre to ::>have it inspected.

So it pays to persuade them its a D.

AJH

On or around Sat, 03 Jan 2004 11:38:51 +0000, snipped-for-privacy@dtn.invalid enlightened us thusly:

It's to do with blame.

in this case, running into a parked vehicle (ISTR) then the blame is pretty much with the other party, Unless your vehicle was parked in either a dangerous place or illegally, in which case you may get a slice of blame yourself.

but you (or your insurer) are responsible for that portion of the loss which is ascribable to your fault, and that refers both to your losses and the third party's.

in this case, the third party is more-or-less wholly to blame, so they or their insurer is responsible for the whole of both your loss and theirs. If the vehicle was parked in a dangerous place, for example, then the insurers (or the dibbles) might decide that you were 20% at fault, say, and thus you or your insurers will have to stump up for 20% of your losses and the third party's.

This is my understanding, but IANAL, nor yet an insurance underwriter.

On or around 3 Jan 2004 18:59:33 GMT, Derry Argue enlightened us thusly:

only need new parts to replace summat that's new or near-new.

so in this case, a new chassis would be reasonable, but good second-hand bodywork would also be reasonable, unless the recent rebuild had included a new rear body for example.

I had a car repaired under insurance, and sourced a dead one of the same make for them to get the panels off. Since in this case I was footing half the bill (50-50 decision, non-comp insurance on my part), keeping it as low as possible was a priority.

If I'm remembering the rules for vehicle identity correctly, it would take a major front-end smash to push a Defender into Cat B -- engine, front axle, and chassis replacement.

And, to be honest, I can see the point of wanting an inspection for a Cat C repair. Is it so different from a major rebuild that might change the vehicle identity?

It's a pity that the cost of repairs will be calculated on the basis of the most expensive place to get the work done; I'm not sure why a current Land Rover dealer, for instance, should be regarded as specially qualified to do work on a leaf-springer.

Where would I take it for an Engineers inspection and what makes an Engineer qualified to do the inspection? I assume the Engineer gives you a report that you send to the DVLA?

Liam

Near here it's the Council's own testing station that is for HGVs, I am pretty certain ordinary MOT stations cannot do it. The main reason is to check the car is not a load of stolen bits cobbled back together.

AJH

I have just been talking to the engineer who has done the estimates on the damage to my Series 3 SWB. As a settlement he is going to recommend in his report that I get the vehicle back and £2500 payment in lieu (meaning the DVLA aren't involved)

Does this sound OK ?

I'm not totally sure how much it'll cost from me to repair the bodywork, I know a replacement chassis the same as the old one is around £900, tow bar, drop plate & electrics around £100.

Not sure if I will be able to straighten up the rear body if not I am thinking around £100 for rear wing skin, rear quarter panel and safari door glass. Then I've got to fit them and get it painted. (Cost ?)

Of course I could just replace the full rear tub, what sort of price am I looking at for one ? Does anyone have one for sale, preferably in red ?

pictures on my web site

Thanks

Liam

I'd have had his arm off!

Give me the 2,500 and I'll give you a completely rebuilt S3 :-)

Martyn

On or around Wed, 07 Jan 2004 18:48:35 +0000, Mother enlightened us thusly:

seriously, that sounds like a result.

Your only problem is what you are going to spend the rest on. You should find a decent specialist will do the work with new parts and still give you some change.

I just hope its not to good to be true, as I said it's just what the engineer is putting in his report so its up to the insurance claims department to agree with it. I'd be happy with that though.

Liam

I'd be leaping around the room screaming HOORAH! and breaking out the Champers :-)

Martyn

On or around Wed, 07 Jan 2004 21:47:47 +0000, Mother enlightened us thusly:

I'd wait to do that 'til I had their cheque in me greasy paws, thobut.