This week's answer is provided by Gareth Lane, motor product analyst at Confused.com ...
QUESTION: I’m thinking about buying a car that has been previously written off and then repaired. Do I have to inform my insurance provider that the vehicle was once a write-off and will this affect the premium I am likely to pay or even lead to the provider declining to insure my vehicle at all?
ANSWER: The short answer to these questions is “yes”. It would be wrong to assume that all insurance providers are willing to take on the risk of a previously written off vehicle. Whilst providers may not ask the question, it is important to volunteer the information as some providers will penalise you or refuse to cover you in the event you need to make a claim.
It’s also important to know the different types of write-off which generally fall into categories A, B, C & D. If the vehicle falls into category A, then no amount of repairs will make it legally roadworthy and the car should have been totally crushed.
If it falls into category B, C or D the vehicle can be returned to the road if it is repaired to a required standard. But category B & C vehicles will have to have a vehicle identity check (VIC) at an accredited garage before being allowed to return to the road. Make sure to get a V5C document.
Until all of these steps have been followed, you will not be able to re-tax the vehicle, so ensure that this has been done before purchasing it.
If you have a question you'd like to put to the Confused.com team, e-mail: editor@confused.com and we will do our best to provide an answer. Please note we will feature a question that is also likely to help other confused readers and if you want to offer your own opinion on the topic, post a comment below.
