Frequently asked questions
Q. What is the difference between a Category D vehicle and a Category C?
A. Category D vehicles have been written off because insurer’s repair costs didn’t exceed the pre-accident value of the vehicle, whereas category C vehicles repair costs did exceed the pre-accident value.
Q. I have a Category C vehicle, what do I need to get it back on the road?
A. Category C vehicles need repairing and require a V.I.C. (Vehicle Identity Check) at your local VOSA station, these cost around £41. A list of these can be found here: www.direct.gov.uk
Q. I have a Category D vehicle, what do I need to get it back on the road?
A. Category D vehicles only require repairing and a valid MOT certificate to be put back on the road.
Q. I’ve bought an accident damaged vehicle and haven’t got the V5 logbook, how do apply for it?
A. You need to fill in a V62 form, which are available from your local post office. Category D vehicles are subject to a £25 charge, category C vehicles are free.
Q. How can I check if my car has been in an accident?
A. You can do a HPI check; this will tell you if the car has been subject to an insurance write off and also if there is any outstanding finance on the vehicle. The cheapest way to do this is to use HPI car text check, text CTC then a space, then the car registration to 83600, and get an instant Car Text Check delivered straight to your phone wherever you are for only £3. Car Text Check
Q. My vehicle isn’t showing up as an insurance write off, does this mean it has never been in an accident?
A. A HPI check only looks on insurance databases, if the vehicle has been in an accident but wasn’t subject to an insurance claim then it won’t be on the database.
Q. I have been in an accident, my car has been written off and want to keep my vehicle, can I do this?
A. Yes, all you need to do is tell you insurance company or solicitor that you would like to keep it, they will usually knock the salvage value off your claim payment.
Q. What is the salvage value? And where can I find it?
A. The salvage value is decided by the vehicle damaged assessor, who inspects the vehicle and looks at the pre-accident value of the vehicle and decides what the vehicle is worth as salvage. This value can be found on the damage assessor/engineer’s report, you can request a copy from your solicitor.
Q. My car has been damaged in an accident and declared a write off. My solicitor has told me to get rid of it, what should I do?
A. If you fill out our online form, we will give you a quote to collect and purchase your vehicle, from your location.