How Do I Challenge A Car Insurance Write-Off?

Following an accident or other damage, your insurance company may decide that your vehicle is a ‘write-off’. In some circumstances, you do not have to accept this decision and are entitled to challenge your insurer.

If you are involved in an accident that was your fault and the cost of repair goes above 60-70% of the vehicle’s value, most insurers will write the vehicle off, stating that the vehicle is an uneconomical repair. This is because you are making a claim within the terms of your insurance policy, and most policies state a maximum repair cost of 60-70%.

However, if you are involved in an accident that wasn’t your fault (non-fault), we would advise claiming directly via the other party’s insurance. In most cases, you have a legal right to have the vehicle repaired up to 100% of its value, and at a repair centre of your choice – without penalties, or having to pay your excess.

There are occasions where the vehicle may be written off, regardless of cost. This may happen when the vehicle is categorised as ‘A’ or ‘B’. Please see our blog ‘What should I do if my vehicle is written off by my insurer?’ to find out how write-offs are categorised.