Car crash. Diminished value new car help

User1998 · 11-10-2025 01:16PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123897085#Comment_123897085

Agreed ..

HeadlessChicken · 11-10-2025 01:20PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123897085#Comment_123897085

I don't see why you think that. I asked a question about my options outside of going legal if insurance company screw me on diminished value. Posting details of my vehicle which could identify me are of no benefit to anyone. Can you tell me how posting a picture of the damaged vehicle would be useful to my question? Even if someone could magically tell me the cost of repairs it would not answer my question.

HeadlessChicken · 11-10-2025 01:23PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123897093#Comment_123897093

I wouldn't be the type to post that I drive on expired dealer plates. I post here often and don't want to be identified. I have good reason. This is not a wind up. If you can help with my question that would be good. Accusing me of trolling and calling me paranoid are not helpful.

mulbot · 11-10-2025 01:23PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123897081#Comment_123897081

You've made a statement, I've asked about what you've stated, why are you looking for the thread to close because of that?

con747 · 11-10-2025 01:28PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123897108#Comment_123897108

Is having 2 accounts not against Boards rules?

HeadlessChicken · 11-10-2025 01:28PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123897110#Comment_123897110

It doesn't help with my question. If you don't understand finance rules and the half rule, this is not the thread for it. We are two pages in and I have not had a single suggestion relating to my question. Everyone wants to see a picture of a crashed car though. That doesn't help me.

mulbot · 11-10-2025 01:32PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123897129#Comment_123897129

It helps as it's defining a possible outcome and the outcome is why you've posted here in the first place. So in asking what you mean about handing a car back under a 50/50 rule, it might be beneficial to other posters to explain what you mean so that the different outcome scenarios can be answered.

HeadlessChicken · 11-10-2025 01:34PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123897125#Comment_123897125

I don't know how to post anonymously. Plenty of people set up new accounts to remain anonymous for one thread. Feel free to report the account if it's breaking the rules. I have asked for the thread to be closed. Disappointed that I could not get any answers. I will look somewhere else. Thanks to @mk7r who was the only person to post constructively by answering another posters confusion.

I know you are all curious, but I did not come on here to share my woes or get sympathy. I only wanted one question answered. Nobody has the answer. Thanks anyway.

HeadlessChicken · 11-10-2025 01:42PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123897135#Comment_123897135

The "50/50 loan repayment rule" most commonly refers to the "half rule" under Irish law for ending hire purchase (HP) or personal contract purchase (PCP) agreements, where you can return the item and are only liable for half of the total Hire Purchase price.

If a vehicle is being handed back to the finance company after being crashed and repaired, the finance company will demand the diminished value, because the asset is worth less than one that hasn't been in an accident. Most new cars are purchased under finance deals. So, if after 2 years I wanted to hand it back after paying half the finance, I would be on the hook for the diminished value. Your question is as valid as the "how much damage" was caused, but it does not help with my original question. It is going in circles and has descended into unfounded accusations and so I am asking the thread be closed.

mulbot · 11-10-2025 01:49PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123897156#Comment_123897156

OK, but have you taken into account the penalties that most finance companies would charge for handing back? So, you'll be looking at quite a loss, potentially by doing that.

I also think the "how much damage was caused" is valid, if it's a low amount of damage, then the diminished value won't be as important as a high value damage.

HeadlessChicken · 11-10-2025 02:04PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123897174#Comment_123897174

OK, but have you taken into account the penalties that most finance companies would charge for handing back? So, you'll be looking at quite a loss, potentially by doing that.

You do not understand the 50/50 (half rule). You need to look at the half rule and how it works. This is why I did not want to get into it with you. It is going way OT.

I also think the "how much damage was caused" is valid, if it's a low amount of damage, then the diminished value won't be as important as a high value damage.

It is not important to the core of my question. Any damage will lower the value and the diminished value payment does not cover it. It might be okay for someone who will sell a car and conceal the fact that it was crashed to make top dollar. I am not that type of person. I can tell you that the damage will not be a low figure in this case.

mulbot · 11-10-2025 02:13PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123897205#Comment_123897205

Tjays why I asked you to explain it, I don't use finance to buy cars, so I don't know much about it.

But the thing is, you don't have repair quotes, you are guessing at prices, so you can't know whether the value diminished payment will leave you out of pocket. Also I see in the opening post you claim a 10 grand ish out of pocket cost to you(based on a 10 grand damage) but that's not correct, the cost of the damage repair isn't what's calculated in assessing the market price of the car. How do I know? We've just been through this, my wife's car had an 8 grand damage from the other driver, we had it repaired, are now selling it, at about 1700 less than the market price and we got diminished value payment of 1500 or so. So we aren't out of pocket as such.

...Ghost... · 11-10-2025 02:20PM

40 odd posts in and no answers? Ha.

Having a guess at the cost of repairing a car when the damage can't be seen is like the lads in the EV bargains posting crashed cars with unknown damage and calling them bargains. I can understand why someone wouldn't want to post their info here, especially if it's not yet dealt with by the insurer.

My own car was rear ended earlier this year. It was less than 3 years old. I sold it soon after it was repaired and I was "compensated" to the tune of 10% which was a few hundred euro. I lost at least 2 grand when selling the car. I think getting legal advice is the only way. I don't know if that has an impact on the repairs with the insurer if you don't accept their offer. Maybe someone else can chime in?

HeadlessChicken · 11-10-2025 02:36PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123897229#Comment_123897229

I see you are posting in good faith. I am just getting frustrated having to justify reasons for not sharing private information and explaining tangential what ifs.

I am guessing prices but that was just for academic and illustrative purposes as explained earlier. The fact is the formula remains the same regardless of the headline figure with the only adjustable variable being tied largely to the cost and or type of repair. If the EX-VAT repair is:

€1k, I receive €250

€5k, I receive €1,250

€10k, I receive €2,500

I am confident that the repairs are at least €10,000 having some experience with the vehicle repair industry.

Think of this scenario. You are looking at two 2024 Hyundai Tucsons from the same garage. Both cars were €50,000 brand new. Both cars are exactly the same spec, colour and mileage. Your budget is €40,000.

Car 1 is asking €40,000.

Car 2 is asking €37,500 but you know it is a repaired vehicle with rear end damage that cost €10,000 to repair.

Is a €2.5k discount enough to encourage you to buy car 2?

Buddy Bubs · 11-10-2025 02:47PM

To answer your question, no 2.5k at that 40k level would not be enough to sway me towards the 10k repaired car.

Most are sold without repairs being declared, repairs are a full spectrum from small dents all the way up to some structural repairs.

I had some minor damage to my car earlier this year, my fault, I posted pictures up and people gave their opinions as to reapir costs because I didnt withhold information and gave the info they needed to answer my question

No reg plate. No identifying factors. Just a car that at the time had max 100 examples in Ireland

Here is the pic it doesnt identify me and I won't be declaring it when im selling car, although its much more minor than yours.

User1998 · 11-10-2025 02:56PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123897330#Comment_123897330

If I remember correctly you paid for yours out of pocket tho. OP is going through insurance so it will most likely get flagged as damaged & repaired thus decreasing the value by 10% or so

HeadlessChicken · 11-10-2025 02:59PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123897330#Comment_123897330

Thank you for that. It was an example of a car that was €10k less when new. I would be wanting a lot more off than €2.5k. I would not likely buy a car that had a big repair done to it. This is why I have a horrible feeling that I am about to be screwed over by the insurance company.

The damage to the Cupra is very minor. If it is just a bit of paint and polish and was properly repaired, I would not lose sleep over it. Anything more, I would want to know and would definitely declare.

Buddy Bubs · 11-10-2025 03:31PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123897356#Comment_123897356

Its not 2.5k and its not 10k

I suppose it reality to you its the reduction in value when you go to sell it, I suppose 3 years is a fair time frame but could be shorter or longer. You could tell them you're looking to sell after a year if you want, I wouldnt begrudge you or anyone getting a decent result from an insuance company, others will jump up and down about their own premiums going up i suppose.

3 year old 60k car woukd be ballpark 30k I suppose, 4/5k gap at that stage once repaired impeccably? Hard to put exact figure

mulbot · 11-10-2025 04:21PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123897298#Comment_123897298

I would buy car 1 at those prices. You also should ask your own insurance for advice. I did, I was also advised that going a legal route was a bit of a conundrum as not only could it be a drawn out process, but it might not go in complete favour, (as in you possibly might get a bit more but court costs etc might not be awarded),. The thing with a newer car is to keep it for longer after repairs,unless willing to potentially soak up the depreciation. You won't win against insurance companies in any situation, - unless you try the personal injury route

HeadlessChicken · 11-10-2025 05:00PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123897426#Comment_123897426

I won't lie to put myself into a position of advantage, or even into the position I rightfully should be in. I planned to keep the car for maybe 3 years. Only I will not keep it if there is any structural damage and I think there is from the damage that I can see.

If I am wrong and the damage is cosmetic then I am more at ease and will keep the car for longer and expect to take a smaller hit on the diminished value. A hit of €2k or more would hurt a bit for a 3 year old car as posted above.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123897520#Comment_123897520

Why not buy car 2? If properly repaired it must be a good deal with a 2.5k saving.

Why would you spend more for the same product?

How much would need to be dropped off the price before you would buy car 2?

My own insurance will not advise me. They only record the incident and give me the option to claim from my own policy. No matter what, the vehicle is now marked as crashed and will probably cost more to insure in the future or if ever stolen or written off the pay-out would be lower because the market value is less and they know it.

Are you making a suggestion to put in an injury claim to help offset the loss in value of the vehicle if the insurance company screws me over? That would not sit well with me as much as I detest the insurance industry.

mulbot · 11-10-2025 06:14PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123897606#Comment_123897606

No I'm not suggesting that I'm saying that's a way people do.

I'd pick option 1 because if I'm spending 40k on a car, 2 and a half thousand wouldn't make a difference at that point. But if it was 12500, vs 10000,id pay the 10000 instead(based on it being back end damage and not front)

Why won't your own insurance advise you? That's what they're there for too, mine did on 3 occasions with mine,.

HeadlessChicken · 11-10-2025 09:53PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123897818#Comment_123897818

I'd pick option 1 because if I'm spending 40k on a car, 2 and a half thousand wouldn't make a difference at that point.

You would pick option 1 because it was not in an accident. You would pick option 2 if the price was €37.5k and that car was not in an accident. All else being equal, the car for €2.5k less is not being picked for the sole reason that it was in an accident. That is the point I am making.

I am wondering how much of a discount would you need for it to become a consideration. €5k off? €10k off? More? Would you just not entertain the crashed car and buy car 1 for peace of mind?

Why won't your own insurance advise you?

Same insurance company/broker.

User1998 · 12-10-2025 09:06AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123898578#Comment_123898578

Like I said above, it decreases the value by about 10% If it was a €20k car the €2.5k discount might be enough to sway someone

_Kaiser_ · 12-10-2025 09:28AM

OP, the only ones who can answer your questions are the insurance company - and it will very much depend on what your policy offers, the terms of the finance agreement, the amount of damage and numbers involved following examination of the car, and how strongly you negotiate or counter any offers that they make.

You're right that you should not be in a worse position than before this happened, but again that is entirely determined on a case by case basis.

There's no point in asking (and getting argumentative IMO with) random posters here who don't know the full details (especially as you're being deliberately vague on the specifics).

Your alternative is to get proper legal advice I'd think.

MojoMaker · 12-10-2025 11:22AM

I don't think there's a mechanism to record cat C or D damage within the ROI for inclusion in vehicle check reports, just A or B damage? Which is probably fair enough to be honest.

Minor damage that doesn't write off a vehicle and is professionally repaired using OEM parts will be as good as new. In some cases better than the pre-accident state, if the vehicle is a few years old.

User1998 · 12-10-2025 11:45AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123899275#Comment_123899275

Even minor damage such as small repairs that don't write a car off but get repaired by the insurance company can show up on history checks. For example on VMS it will say

Damage alert: Yes

Write off: No

HeadlessChicken · 12-10-2025 01:32PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123899016#Comment_123899016

I am not claiming on my own policy. I posted on here to see if anyone had experience or knew of other options to counter a bad offer other than going legal. I asked the insurance agent if they will engage with an independent loss assessor because the vehicle is brand new and they have not yet responded.

I am only being vague to protect my identity. People asking for pictures is pointless to the question I asked even if they knew how much the repairs would be. Then to accuse me of trolling and paranoia for not sharing photos.

I have a strong belief that the offer for diminished value will be much lower than the loss in value which I estimate to be 10-15% (€5k - 7.5k of current market value). The only options that I am aware of are to:

Accept their offer.
Try to negotiate for better offer. (with what information, I am unsure).
Go legal.

If the damage is cosmetic and I am planning to keep the car for more than 3 years, I will accept a lower offer within reason.

If I am to negotiate, I would like to know how I should do this. There are no examples of my vehicle for sale on the used market to compare against. I do not know if spending money on a loss assessor will pay off.

I would rather not go legal and will do this as a last resort if I am going to be out of pocket by thousands.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123899328#Comment_123899328

Very true. Car is forever marked.

MojoMaker · 12-10-2025 02:08PM

We had this come up a few months ago on here and there was quite a few people surprised to learn that within Ireland Cat C and D damage on a vehicle will not show up on the standard car history check websites (Cartell, Motorcheck, MyWheels etc) - whereas Cat C and D damage that happened in the UK *will*, due to slightly different UK reporting requirements.

www.vms.ie - perhaps, have to take your word for it, but can Joe Public use their services?

User1998 · 12-10-2025 02:32PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123899629#Comment_123899629

The above vehicle was a Jap import that only got written off because the ignition was busted and presumably the insurance company couldn't get the parts to fix it. It certainly wasn't a Category A or B write off. VMS is just the trade version of My Vehicle

User1998 · 12-10-2025 02:36PM

@MojoMaker I can't find any reports right now that show a damage alert that wasn't a write off, but I'm 100% certain that even minor claims that don't result in a write off can get uploaded to whatever insurance database they are using

Car crash. Diminished value new car help

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