Is this a write off...?

x in the city

Guys, this tree just fell on top of my brothers 02 focus, I think its a write off..

opinion.? I want to get some opinions before he calls the insurance.

Ta.

SV

I'd say it is too.

Trampas

will not get much either due to the 2nd hand car market dropping recently

x in the city

what has the 2nd hand car market and the economy slump to do with insurance pay outs? he should get the book value of the car, right?

Anan1

x in the city wrote: »

what has the 2nd hand car market and the economy slump to do with insurance pay outs? he should get the book value of the car, right?

Wouldn't you think the market and the economy might affect the book value?

congo_90

op, why some are turning this into an insurance debate (off topic) i will stay on topic moving on swiftly...
I'm afraid from what i can see it is going to be a write off due to damage caused to the main frame/cage. I will assume it's no younger than an 02 therefore insurance company wont pay ya for repairs.

Sorry to hear of your brothers loss.

Anan1

congo_90 wrote: »

I will assume it's no younger than an 02 therefore insurance company wont pay ya for repairs.

What do you mean?

bazzachazza

I imagine its a right off depends on what a) mechanic says b) whether insurance company will see it as an econmical repair.

Was it his tree or a neighbours tree.

x in the city

Its a 02, spotless. what could he expect back from his insurance company, How do they value the car?

Its his tree, so no problem with the tree......he wont sue the tree.:rolleyes:

SV

How much did he have his car valued at on the insurance forms?

S.I.R

concidering tis got minor structural damage, to get a Reputable welder and faab to repair isnt cheap... imho: claim insureance, buy a mkII escort, get a cage and cut down every tree in sight. :pac:

also, the roof is light metal, give it a smack of the inside as see how much comes out, most of the time it comes out, sometimes with the smallist ripple....

ninty9er

ClioV6 wrote: »

How much did he have his car valued at on the insurance forms?

Doesn't make a blind bit of difference. He'll get the average cost of a replacement model.

drunkmonkey

i woudn't call it a write off, it's still driving? just a bit of a wonky roof....i'd say fixable if it's just the roof....

Anan1

ninty9er wrote: »

Doesn't make a blind bit of difference. He'll get the average cost of a replacement model.

yes, but only up to the value he gave - they pay out the lesser of the two figures.

x in the city

Lads

There is structural damage to the main frame above the door sills, as well as the roof.

Considering he paid over 10k for this a year ago and its like new I dont think he would be too pleased to get it repaired, as any roof damage will render it pretty worthless when it comes to sell, considering the market at the moment as well.

The reason they ask for what the car is worth is surely so they can have a figure in case of a claim..huh.

So I guess he will see what the accessors say, but most likely it will be a write off.

*Kol*

Depends on the value of the car. If its an 02 its probably a write off as it wont be worth much anyway.

Guy:Incognito

x in the city wrote: »

The reason they ask for what the car is worth is surely so they can have a figure in case of a claim..huh.
.

That doesnt mean they will pay you what you want though. If they did I'd insure my 8 year old Xantia for 200k , throw a match on it and buy myself a nice new Quattroporte.

MichaelR

*Kol* wrote: »

Depends on the value of the car. If its an 02 its probably a write off as it wont be worth much anyway.

I wonder if a car bought as scrappage from such a write off can still be legally used and insured.

I mean, I know a good welder in Limerick, and I'm looking for a car around that age...

x in the city

If its an 02 its probably a write off as it wont be worth much anyway

So, a 02 focus is worth 'nothing' thats news to me, times must be really bad..

patpark121

Depending on mileage an 02 focus is currently worth anywhere from 2800 - 5k. And not a lot more. Technically the car is a writeoff. The safety cell for occupants would be compromised, & no amount of welding or hammering will get it back to full rigidity. If god forbid it was to roll in an accident that section of structure would be first to collapse without being able to dissipate the energy correctly.
It would be interesting to get the assessors opinion, however the insurance company will revert to current market values as appears in the little black motor book less the excess.

x in the city

Thats good advice pat..!

I can totally relate to what you are saying, even though im not a mechanic. I was thinking along the same lines, apparently the brother is getting it repaired, oblivious to the dangers.

I told him buy a new car, so gotta wait and see what he says

the insurance said apprently to take to a garage,..to get repaired.? they will cover and he wont lose his 10+ yrs ncb.

L-M

x in the city wrote: »

they will cover and he wont lose his 10+ yrs ncb.

I'd get that in writing to be very sure.

As you said, advice him on buying a newer or similar car. I think safety out balances saving a few quid. He could get a cost of repair, and advertise the car for sale at a cheap prize, stating the cost of repair and a small time dealer etc. might buy it.

x in the city

ok folks

the latest here is that a garage are going to repair this, some garage authorised by the insurance company.

is it safe to repair a bust roof? safely i mean without violating the chassis...


my brother seems oblivious as to the dangers...

x in the city

bump,

any one...?!

EPM

Roof skin would be fine but anything structural I couldn't imagine it being as strong after the repair

Dermo123

I am not an expert on this but I have seen panel beaters push out roof damage worse than this before, eg on my own car. There should be no cutting and welding involved here. As far as I know they will get a hydralic ram and push the structural parts up until they are back to where they should be and then do a normal panel repair on the roof or possibly a new roof skin. Cutting the frame would not be recommended though..