can any body explain insuranse right offs?

Question

i am thinking of buying a cat c right off doesn't need much work to get mechanicaly sound but not sure on the paperwork and what if any other tests it may have to go through before it will be legal again please help???

Answer 1

Nope, but I can explain a write off.

Insurance will write off a vehicle when it costs more to fix it than the vehicle is worth. As to how to make it legal, it depends on the laws of your state, which you didn't give in the question. Some will change the title to "junk" title, or "salvage" title and the vehicle can only be used for parts. Some states will allow a salvage vehicle to be rebuilt, but it must then pass inspection before it can be registered again.

Check what title you will be getting, and what the rules are for your state or area.

Answer 2

Here's the definitions; Cat C is repairable but will need an inspection. You might find yourself stuck with it when you come to sell it.
o Category A:

Scrap only - this vehicle should have been crushed. It should never reappear on the road and there are no economically salvageable parts. It is of value only for scrap metal - e.g. a totally burnt-out vehicle.

o Category B:

The bodyshell should have been crushed. The vehicle should never reappear on the road, but it can be broken for spare parts plus any residual scrap metal.

o Category C:

Vehicle extensively damaged and insurer has decided not to repair. May be repaired and put back on the road. Has to pass an inspection costing £36 (2007 price) to be re-registered as damaged repaired.

o Category D:

Vehicle damaged and insurer has decided not to repair. When fixed can be re-registered as damaged repaired.

Think of Cat D like this:

A car is worth £6,000, but sustains some minor cosmetic damage.

The damage will cost £2,500 for an (inflated price) insurance repair that includes the cost of a courtesy car for the owner while the repair takes place.

But the insurer can sell the car off as it is for £4,000.

So the insurer 'writes it off' as a Cat D, saving itself £500, even though the car may be perfectly drivable and suffers only cosmetic damage.

o Category F:

Vehicle damaged by fire and insurer has decided not to repair. When fixed can be re-registered as damaged repaired.

I believe VOSA do the testing, but I should ring DVLA for advice.

Hope that helps.

Answer 3

If its been written off as cat c it means it will have to be repaired, attend a local VIC test at vosa testing station (about £70) and then you reapply for a new log book. You will then have to MOT it.

Cat d cars mean they can be repaired and go straight back on the road without a vic test.

If the cars cheap enough, go for it.