C5 write-off or repair?

[sjc204]

Hi,
My C5 Estate 2006 (good cond, low mileage) was hit from behind at moderate speed. The insurers are offering me £3300 as a write off, with their repairers quoting £3700 for repairs.
At the moment the car is with them, I need to get a better look. The damage I can see:
Rear bumper and top trims out of place, marked, not broken
shallow dent across tailgate,
drivers seat mount failed (maybe a shear-pin?)

The impact was straight, central and not too fast. Is there an easy way I can tell if the structure is ok? I could go with a scrapyard tailgate.

What do people think? What should I be looking for? Many thanks

[Stickyfinger]

Get it inspected quickly.....it is still YOUR car no matter what they say.....

It is ONLY worth doing IF you plan to keep it....as a CAT write off it will have low re-sale however good the result. What you "make" of the repair bill will come off the value until its worth £500, it will however get to £500 quicker....


£3300 is a standard value for a 06 car, like mine ( I made a little money on the deal) they are going off the standard Mid-Range Indi Dealer price.

[Gibbo2286]

Ask them what deal they will offer if they write it off and let you keep the car.

Their repair quote will be for all new parts and professional repairers so keeping the car and fixing it yourself (if you're able) with breaker bits can be a good way out, one way you can actually have 'the bun AND the penny'

My neighbour had her Nissan written off twice and I repaired it for her on both occasions, the damage was slight, a biker did a wheelie in the traffic and landed on her bonnet,, bonnet and headlamp and a bit of metal bashing fixed that one, then some clown shunted her at a junction, rear bumper and boot lid fixed that, right colour parts so no painting needed.

[Peter.N.]

Have a look on ebay and see how much you can get a replacement for.

Peter

[Stickyfinger]

Other than checking the rear absorbent bar/mounts and the tailgate hinges/mounts, that looks like an easy job, you should even be able to get ones the correct colour if your lucky.

[Zelandeth]

Surely as you're not at fault and the vehicle *is* repairable, they're obliged to repair it if you say so...As I understand it, you're under no obligation to accept an offer for any cash payout. If you want the vehicle fixed properly, they just have to deal with that no matter what the car's worth, and if someone's gone into the back of your car there shouldn't be any question over fault.

I know someone who had a similar argument a few years ago with a Lada that got rear ended - insurer was determined that it was worth about £50 - but ended up having to capitulate and pay for a couple of grand's worth of repairs after a bit of arguing.

[Clogzz]

a biker did a wheelie in the traffic and landed on her bonnet

then some clown shunted her at a junction

I like your language !

[macplaxton]

they just have to deal with that no matter what the car's worth,

To a point. They have to cover your losses to put you back in a position had the accident not occured. The OP has an obligation to keep the losses within reason (e.g. not go hiring a Rolls Royce, etc.)

If you chose to keep/get repaired

a) get / persuade with evidence that the vehicle is worth at least the cost of repairs. (3700)
b) negotiate and agree to repairs with cheaper parts (aftermarket/or secondhand/new old stock) to bring the bill down.
c) take a settlement with deduction of salvage valve and go off and do your own thing (repair yourself, other business or trouser the money and not repair) If they want to categorize it ask for compo for loss of value.
d) take a cash in leiu of repair settlement and as part of the agreement demand it is not categorized.

everything is up for haggling.

[SaabC5]

Me personally i'd snap their arm off for £3300 for an 06 facelift C5, i only paid £2700 for my 09 C5 X7.

[Stickyfinger]

Add £800+ for a 08/09 Exclusive Tourer however....

Has to be said, its good "trade up" money if you can.

[daviemck2006]

I would bite their hand off for £3300. It's more than a grand more than my 07 was valued at and I was really happy with that.

[hamster99]

For a 9 year old car and being a model out of production since 2008 I would get the money before they change their mind. Seems generous for an insurer.......

You also don't know if there is any chassis damage, only sticking it on a proper jig will tell you that and any garage will charge you for that if you then don't have any work done.

Take the money and run.....

[Peter.N.]

There is an 07 on ebay for £1500 at the moment. Computer won't let me post a link.

Peter

[elma]

This one Peter?

[sjc204]

Many thanks for all your suggestions. After looking at the car in more detail I got them to agree £3000 and I keep the car but they are putting it Cat C. I'll post an update when the work is done.