How can I challenge the insurer's valuation of my written off car?

My insurer has declared my car a write off following an accident that was my fault (with no other vehicles involved). I am concerned that the market value they've quoted for my car appears low. I asked them to share their assessment of the value so that I can be confident it is fair, but they said they can't send me anything and that the value is based on Glasses Guides and the experience of the file handler assigned to my claim. I am looking to challenge the valuation and have looked online for price guides but am concerned that my insurer will say they reflect the retail value of the car. Other factors which the insurer said decreased the value of my car included it having failed previous MoTs and the fact that the car has not always been serviced at a main dealer. Are these factors fair ways to assess the value of my car? And do you have any other suggestions for ways I can challenge their valuation of my car?

Asked on 10 December 2018 by Kathryn

Answered by Honest John

The insurer should use the same process as the Financial Ombudsman to value the car, they should make reference to Glass Evaluator, CAP motor research, and now also CAZANA. Raise a complaint and ask your insurer to send screen prints of the guides they have used. The insurer should value your vehicle dependent on the wording of their contract and it is fair for them to adjust the value according to the condition and service history. They do need to quantify what adjustments have been made and why.

Tags: insurance used car values

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