What written off means
A vehicle is written off when the cost of repair exceeds its market value, or when the damage is so severe that it cannot be safely repaired. Insurers classify write-offs into categories: Cat A and B vehicles cannot be repaired or sold in parts; Cat S and N vehicles are structurally or non-structurally damaged but can be repaired and returned to the road.
What matters for your claim is the vehicle’s pre-accident market value: what a willing buyer would have paid for it in its condition immediately before the accident.
What you are entitled to on a non-fault claim
The at-fault driver’s insurer must pay you the pre-accident market value of your vehicle. This is not what you paid for it, not what it would cost to buy a replacement today, and not a sentimental value. It is the objective market value at the date of the accident.
- The pre-accident market value of your vehicle
- A like-for-like replacement vehicle from the date of the accident until the claim is settled
- Reasonable out-of-pocket costs caused by the loss of your vehicle
How market value is assessed
Insurers use industry valuation guides (such as Glass’s or CAP) alongside comparable vehicles on the market at the date of loss. You can check these yourself. Look at what similar vehicles with the same make, model, year, mileage and condition that were advertised for sale at the time of your accident.
The insurer’s first offer is not always accurate. If you believe the valuation is too low, gather your own evidence of comparable sales and put it to them. In most cases, a well-evidenced challenge moves the settlement figure.
The replacement vehicle
While the write-off is being processed, you are entitled to a replacement vehicle. It should be like-for-like, in other words it should be the same size and type as the car you have lost and the hire period should cover the reasonable time needed to settle the claim and source a replacement. We arrange this as part of the same process.
What to do
Do not accept the insurer’s first offer without checking it against the market. Do not hand over the salvage until the settlement figure is agreed and in writing. Call us before you speak to the other driver’s insurer as we handle the valuation challenge and the replacement vehicle together.