Car Insurance & Write Off

Hi all,

My Dad had a slight accident with his car and the insurance company said due to the age of the car (2010) that they wanted to write it off which he went for. He has asked what his insurance will go up by but they said they don't know until the end of the year when he has to renew it. I presume this is that they can't guarantee a quote they would give him today however can he ask for a quote for today to give him at least a guideline? Also how difficult is it to change insurance company when this happens?

Thanks in advance

In short it depends many factors, not just the claim. Does he have a "protected no claims bonus" or a " step back?" This is likely to be the major consideration on the premium going forward as he may have a 50% or more NCD. . Other companies may quote, but that's dependent on there overall criteria for quoting, and how they view the claim. You, or he could chance ringing around to see what the market might offer now.

How much is the car worth and how much would it cost to repair? Remember some of the repair places used by the insurance companies are VERY expensive...local specialists usually charge a lot less for the same work.

Not correct Leo.

In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Being an aligned repairer, as I am, Labour, parts and paint costs are discounted from retail pricing.

Also, in order to become a recognised repairer for any of the Insurance Companies, you have to prove you have the skills, equipments and training to complete the safe repair of modern vehicles and pass a yearly independent audit of same.

This standard (to maintain) has quite considerable costs involved, and, in most cases, the final repair bill is less than the customer’s original estimate.

Your post is correct where, main dealers estimate for damage repairs, (who don’t even have a bodyshop) and, then farm it out to a Fred in the shed, some with questionable skills and equipment.

I think you could find around or try online and pretend your renewal date is next week. As others mentioned figuring out what ncb statement your insurance company will issue after the claim is key.

@LS400 how would you suggest pricing around for repairs after crash? To ensure safe quality and low price? Is there a list of recognised repairers.

There is,

Most of the insurance Companies have a list of repairers in the 26 counties. If you call them, they will give you the contact details of who ever is in your locality. Depending on your area, there could be more than one to choose from.

There is always someone that can do it cheaper, but, to an extent, you get what you pay for. As an approved repairer, I, and I suspect most, honor the Insurance discounts where the Customer is paying privately having been referred by the Insurance Company.

LS400 said:

Not correct Leo.

In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Being an aligned repairer, as I am, Labour, parts and paint costs are discounted from retail pricing.

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Maybe I'm reading what you have posted wrongly, but are you saying the below scenario doesn't go on?
I know it does as do my immediate family and friends all who have had first hand experience of it over the years.

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Ok say.....Mrs. Sparkrite has a tip in the car. I bring it to an 'approved' repair shop..........

"Hi any chance you could give me quote for repairs, please?"

"Sure, let me take a look and price it, insurance job or private?"

"Not sure, depends on how much"
-Guy mentally assess me and makes a call -

"No bother, I'll do you up an insurance quote for €X and can do it for you for €X-Y , How's that sound ?"

*************************************************
The 'dogs on the street' know this goes on all the time.......

Leo said:

Remember some of the repair places used by the insurance companies are VERY expensive...local specialists usually charge a lot less for the same work.

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By and large @Leo 's statement I believe is not far off the mark at all.

SparkRite said:

"Sure, let me take a look and price it, insurance job or private?

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Quite correct. That question is relevant to the labour rate charged, as different Insurance Companies have different rates applied.

SparkRite said:

No bother, I'll do you up an insurance quote for €X and can do it for you for €X-Y , How's that sound

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You are talking about the black market... that translates to a "Cash job", a whole different question there...

LS400 said:

Quite correct. That question is relevant to the labour rate charged, as different Insurance Companies have different rates applied.

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Is the difference between the lowest and highest in the hundreds of Euro per hour?

LS400 said:

You are talking about the black market... that translates to a "Cash job", a whole different question there...

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SparkRite can clarify, but I don't see any suggestion of a cash job there.

SparkRite said:

Hi any chance you could give me quote for repairs, please?"

"Sure, let me take a look and price it, insurance job or private?"

"Not sure, depends on how much"
-Guy mentally assess me and makes a call -

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Spot on as regards how the conversation goes.

I would also have the make on the person at that stage.

You see, if the persons intentions are to pull a fast one, ie, submit an insurance quote, look to get paid out, which they are completely entitled to, and then look to have repairs done privately, at a lower price, of course, this is hardly going to be in cash, I don’t know what I was thinking there, well, I’d run them, I’d have no bother in suggesting they look elsewhere to go down that road.

This is also how the conversation goes,

Mrs Sparks
“I looking to get a private quote for repairs to my car, not sure wether to claim or not”

Ls
We’re you referred here by the insurance company, and if so, who recommended us

Mrs Sparks
“Axa”

Ls
Il do up an Axa quote, Labour, parts and paint costs are discounted to the agreed rate. Should you still decide to go privately, we will honour the Axa discounts, which is more beneficial that the retail rates.

Alternatively,
Mrs Sparks rocks up at the door, looking to get a quote for her car, well, it’s retail rates that will apply, end of.
If I feel she’s just tyre kicking, I will do up a quote on receipt of an estimate charge, that generally sends the tyre kickers on their way.


Apologies for taking the thread on a different road, but some wayward comments need to be addressed.

Leesider32 said:

Hi all,

My Dad had a slight accident with his car and the insurance company said due to the age of the car (2010) that they wanted to write it off which he went for. He has asked what his insurance will go up by but they said they don't know until the end of the year when he has to renew it. I presume this is that they can't guarantee a quote they would give him today however can he ask for a quote for today to give him at least a guideline? Also how difficult is it to change insurance company when this happens?

Thanks in advance

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Dies the insurance cover cease after an accudent?