Can I Keep My Car After a Total Loss?

When You Can and Can’t Keep a Total Loss Car

Yes, you can keep your car after a total loss, but it depends on the category of write-off. There are four categories of write-offs in the UK:

• Category A: The vehicle is uneconomical to repair and should be scrapped.
• Category B: The vehicle is uneconomical to repair and should be broken for scrap.
• Category C: The vehicle is uneconomical to repair but can be repaired and returned to the road.
• Category S: The vehicle has suffered structural damage but can be repaired and returned to the road.

If your car is written off as a Category A or B, you cannot keep it. However, if your car is written off as a Category C or S, you can keep it.

To keep a Category C or S vehicle, you will need to:

• Contact your insurance company and tell them that you want to keep the vehicle.
• Pay your insurance company the salvage value of the vehicle.
• Send your vehicle log book (V5C) to your insurance company.
• Apply for a new vehicle log book from the DVLA.
• Have your vehicle inspected by a qualified engineer to ensure that it is safe to return to the road.

If your vehicle is a Category S vehicle, you will also need to have a Vehicle Identity Check (VIC) carried out by the DVLA. This is to ensure that the vehicle has not been stolen and that it is safe to return to the road.

It is important to note that keeping a written-off vehicle can be expensive and time-consuming. You will need to pay for the repairs, which could be significant, and you will also need to pay for the VIC inspection. Additionally, the value of your vehicle will be reduced because it has been written off.

If you are considering keeping your written-off vehicle, it is important to weigh the costs and benefits carefully.

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Related Reading: Car Prices Have Gone Up: What Does This Mean For You?

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When To Consider Keeping a Total Loss Car

You should only keep a car that has been declared a total loss if:

• The car is a classic or specialist vehicle, and you are willing to invest the time and money to repair it to a high standard.
• The car has a high sentimental value to you.
• You can repair the car yourself or have a friend or family member willing to do it for you at a reduced cost.
• You are able to sell the car for spare parts or scrap metal.

It’s crucial to understand that retaining a written off vehicle can incur substantial costs and demand significant time. Repair expenses can be hefty, and there’s the added cost of undergoing a Vehicle Identity Check (VIC) inspection. Moreover, the vehicle’s value will diminish due to its written-off status.

Carefully evaluate the financial implications and advantages.

Here are some additional things to consider:

• The cost of repairs: The cost of repairs will vary depending on the extent of the damage. If the damage is severe, the cost of repairs may be more than the value of the car.
• The safety of the car: It is important to have the car inspected by a qualified engineer to ensure that it is safe to return to the road. If the car has suffered structural damage, it may not be possible to repair it to a safe standard.
• The value of the car: The value of a written-off car will be less than the value of a car that has not been written off. This is because written-off cars are often more difficult to insure and may have safety concerns.

If you are unsure whether or not to keep your written-off vehicle, it is a good idea to seek advice from a qualified mechanic or insurance expert.

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Related Reading: What Are The Most Expensive UK Car Repairs

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