MX5 Cat S Write off - advice please!
Discussion
Hey everyone, I hope you can help me as so torn at the moment if I retain my MX5 MK3 56 plate, 63K miles. She has had some damage to the passenger side and a previous (before I had her I can only assume) bad paintwork to the same side. I thought as previously I would be given a cheque as told it's betterment by insurance company, well I had changed in June, had accident (non fault) a couple of weeks ago and the garage and insurance have gone OTT (I really depise how corrupt it seems to be) and basically saying because there could be a) hidden issues with steering they have to cost in all that and b) the rear quarter (not actually even part of the accident just a small scuff which I think was there before) they want to remove to treat a small piece of rust.. so hence the cat S not N. They basically priced up a £4615 job on a car that pre-accident was worth more like £3000. Now I can retain but I am not sure I want the hassle unless I just retain and sell on as it is rather than doing the work and get myself a new car.... I am so confused as the amount they will settle is £2860 minus the retain (salvage fee) advice? Thanks Louise 
This sounds odd. Surely the insurance have not agreed to pay the £4.6k if they will only settle for £2.8k
I recently went through something similar. Non fault accident which repair shop priced up at £8.5k. Insurance said car was only worth £10k and therefore would only pay out to £7k. So my options were to accept total loss (£10k payout), or they could give me £7k towards the repair as long as it was checked for no structural damage and if ok, then the total loss marker would get removed (I.e. no cat status).
I would not get any decent replacement for £10k so had to get the money to go towards the repairs. The bodyshop were able to bring the price down by pulling out the dents instead of replacing panels so in the end I was able to get the repairs done for the £7k (minus my excess) the insurance paid out
I recently went through something similar. Non fault accident which repair shop priced up at £8.5k. Insurance said car was only worth £10k and therefore would only pay out to £7k. So my options were to accept total loss (£10k payout), or they could give me £7k towards the repair as long as it was checked for no structural damage and if ok, then the total loss marker would get removed (I.e. no cat status).
I would not get any decent replacement for £10k so had to get the money to go towards the repairs. The bodyshop were able to bring the price down by pulling out the dents instead of replacing panels so in the end I was able to get the repairs done for the £7k (minus my excess) the insurance paid out
Sorry if I wasn’t clear! Basically they are writing it off and offering me £2800. What I am shocked about is that they are doing this but I am struggling to fight it and what I meant is the insurance improved garage literally quoted for items not even damaged in the accident (so definitely a bit fishy) hence the garage quote was £4615 - I have had numerous conversations with the insurance engineer who won’t budge and says he won’t not write it off as Cat S because there COULD be hidden issues with steering etc and it COULD be dangerous. My decision now is do I retain it or just let them send to salvage?
I did say I will get a second opinion but it’s like the Insurance company don’t want to save money they want to write it off. Neither the garage or the insurance engineer liked being questioned. My last insurance company would never have handled it like this because they wouldn’t repair something before because to do the work would be betterment and gave me the money instead. So I totally confused why Churchill act so differently to Shelias wheels. Personally I never expected the car to be written off I wish I had gone through mazda assist now!!
I'm struggling a bit too...
But would I be correct in assuming that given the age, the previous damage and rust... to repair the car could be more hassle long term be it unearthing underlying issues once work starts or the issues with guaranteeing work when owners are rusty etc, so to perhaps avoid that and thus more cost / hassle they'd rather not bother and thus write if off and give you a cheque.
With regards to the payout, most will agree a pre accident value... for example £3250... then pay you £2800 and you keep the car. You can them use the money to fix it, thus the onus for the work isn't the insurers problem anymore or you can sell the as it is, stick the money with the payout and start again.
On a car of that age with previous issues, I can understand why they would rather write it off and wash their hands than not.
But would I be correct in assuming that given the age, the previous damage and rust... to repair the car could be more hassle long term be it unearthing underlying issues once work starts or the issues with guaranteeing work when owners are rusty etc, so to perhaps avoid that and thus more cost / hassle they'd rather not bother and thus write if off and give you a cheque.
With regards to the payout, most will agree a pre accident value... for example £3250... then pay you £2800 and you keep the car. You can them use the money to fix it, thus the onus for the work isn't the insurers problem anymore or you can sell the as it is, stick the money with the payout and start again.
On a car of that age with previous issues, I can understand why they would rather write it off and wash their hands than not.
Firstly he said there could be hidden issues but the car was driving ok not perfect but just a little tracking as she’s sensitive and not sure if anyone here drives an MX5 as was looking for MX5 expert advice rather than general stuff about the costs and why they write it off I get that I just think they are crazy quoting for repairing something that wasn’t even in the accident etc. I can retain it for £450 but the point is then it’s still a Cat S write off so will not be very saleable. I am going to research some more as may well get more for her as she is than £450 as I need to try and make up £££ to buy anything anywhere near what she was! I am going to take to my mechanic and another body shop but it odd how different insurance companies have different rules. No wonder we pay such high premiums if they just go around writing cars off when they fancy it. The minor rust is not part of the accident so go figure!
I can’t just buy another car.. it’s not enough to buy anything near what my car was she was a reliable car with superficial damage.. I am signed off work and have cancer.. not easy to get credit guys.. anyway this is stressing me out trying to explain. Thanks anyway. Wishing you all a good weekend
Cat S is if the car has sustained structural damage, so if that's what the assessor has deemed it then it'd suggest there's something more than cosmetic damage. Perhaps some images would help but end of the day, it's all speculation here and expert MX5 advice won't change matters. You need to discuss with the insurers, ask for a copy of the assessors report and if you want, seek a second opinion from a professional.
Yes it’s S for two reasons:
1. They said rear quarter needs to come off and be treated for then rust - which is not even in the damaged area for this accident.. basically this is complete overkill for my car so because it’s a welded part that is classed as structural
2. The engineer said it COULD have hidden damage.. yet if I retain it I get the suspension and tracking checked and an MOT and I am good to go so go figure! Plus I COULD die tomorrow but doesn’t mean I WILL and Surely a look on a ramp would soon check that out..
This is what I mean by it being a friggen con! They scare people into kissing their cars goodbye and then someone buys it and does it up.. I even read about a lady who didn’t get told she could retain it and saw it and offered to buy back off new owner but they said no they had fallen in love with it.. WTAF
Anyway I will get a second opinion because I think it’s all very suspect and I have friends in the industry that say we are literally just throwing away cars and it’s tragic.
1. They said rear quarter needs to come off and be treated for then rust - which is not even in the damaged area for this accident.. basically this is complete overkill for my car so because it’s a welded part that is classed as structural
2. The engineer said it COULD have hidden damage.. yet if I retain it I get the suspension and tracking checked and an MOT and I am good to go so go figure! Plus I COULD die tomorrow but doesn’t mean I WILL and Surely a look on a ramp would soon check that out..
This is what I mean by it being a friggen con! They scare people into kissing their cars goodbye and then someone buys it and does it up.. I even read about a lady who didn’t get told she could retain it and saw it and offered to buy back off new owner but they said no they had fallen in love with it.. WTAF
Anyway I will get a second opinion because I think it’s all very suspect and I have friends in the industry that say we are literally just throwing away cars and it’s tragic.
Surreygirl74 said:
I can’t just buy another car.. it’s not enough to buy anything near what my car was she was a reliable car with superficial damage.. I am signed off work and have cancer.. not easy to get credit guys.. anyway this is stressing me out trying to explain. Thanks anyway. Wishing you all a good weekend
Will be happy to help you try and resolve this ( have done many times for other people) will email you some details.You neee to get an independent view on what is involved in fixing it ( I can help) and if it’s easy to fix keep the car and get a good local garage to repair.
You can pretty much ignore the costs quoted to repair to insurance standard these are completely different from getting it fixed nicely by a trusted small garage/body shop.
Are you still able to drive about in it have you still got the car with you? Do not let them take it way to salvage until you make your decision keep hold of the car till then.
V8RX7 said:
I am an MX5 expert but I don't see any specific questions
Well MX5 are good cars and someone told me keep it and get work done myself or even sell on eBay as it is so someone can bring her back to her glory or even renovate into a track car so I thought someone might pick up on ideas rallycross said:
Will be happy to help you try and resolve this ( have done many times for other people) will email you some details.
You neee to get an independent view on what is involved in fixing it ( I can help) and if it’s easy to fix keep the car and get a good local garage to repair.
You can pretty much ignore the costs quoted to repair to insurance standard these are completely different from getting it fixed nicely by a trusted small garage/body shop.
Are you still able to drive about in it have you still got the car with you? Do not let them take it way to salvage until you make your decision keep hold of the car till then.
Thank you so much! Exactly I have some contacts in the motor trade and an excellent old school mechanic that will look at her. What is upsetting the most is the fact they would rather just write her off. You ever dealt with Vee Tec? You neee to get an independent view on what is involved in fixing it ( I can help) and if it’s easy to fix keep the car and get a good local garage to repair.
You can pretty much ignore the costs quoted to repair to insurance standard these are completely different from getting it fixed nicely by a trusted small garage/body shop.
Are you still able to drive about in it have you still got the car with you? Do not let them take it way to salvage until you make your decision keep hold of the car till then.
Yes I had to stop them sending to salvage as literally within 48 hours of telling me it was a write off I was shocked and cried I know it’s only a car but it was not a good day that day already!
I don’t understand why the engineer on behalf of Churchill got so funny with me once I challenged him.. wasn’t like I was asking for more money.
The car is with garage but I got engineer (if he did) to tell garage I can take to my own independent and he agreed as I knew legally the car is still mine! Although sometimes the way they talk to you, you wouldn’t think it!
Thank you
Surreygirl74 said:
Well MX5 are good cars and someone told me keep it and get work done myself or even sell on eBay as it is so someone can bring her back to her glory or even renovate into a track car so I thought someone might pick up on ideas
We are all flying blind here with no pictures or description of the damage.My advice:
Don't take the insurance co first offer on payout. Find some examples of higher priced mx5s for sale if you can and send links to your insurance contact. Try for more.
Take the car- then get a 2nd opinion and have it repaired by an independent if practicable. If the worst comes to the worst and it isnt viable to repair then punt it on ebay in its current state. There is only so much money you can lose on a £500 car.
I did the same when someone drove into my mx5. I bought a wing from mx5 parts and got the local body shop to fit.
Don't take the insurance co first offer on payout. Find some examples of higher priced mx5s for sale if you can and send links to your insurance contact. Try for more.
Take the car- then get a 2nd opinion and have it repaired by an independent if practicable. If the worst comes to the worst and it isnt viable to repair then punt it on ebay in its current state. There is only so much money you can lose on a £500 car.
I did the same when someone drove into my mx5. I bought a wing from mx5 parts and got the local body shop to fit.
Surreygirl74 said:
Thank you so much! Exactly I have some contacts in the motor trade and an excellent old school mechanic that will look at her. What is upsetting the most is the fact they would rather just write her off. You ever dealt with Vee Tec?
Sounds like you are doing the right things; and nope never used Vee tech.Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff