Alas my much loved FFRR was written off by the insurance company today. The car was hit by an uninsured driver in an unregistered car who came round a sharp corner way too fast, on the wrong side of the road. Having hit my car he then decided to limp off sparks flying and make his escape. Got the registration etc but the police give 0% chance of finding the culprit.

Anyway, the point is that the car supposedly needs £30k of work (inc. VAT). Not sure who will be salvaging it but its immaculate apart from the accident damage, was serviced and MOT'd two weeks prior to the accident and has had no expense spared keeping her looking good. 57k miles and goes like stink. The private plate has come off and is going on her replacement. The whole OSF suspension needs replacing, the quote also says it needs new steering rack and front diff (the drive shaft was pulled out of the diff in the accident) which are the two biggest value items. I can send the list of repairs suggested by the insurance company as well. I can see no damage beyond the wing - doors, bonnet etc all still line up with consistent shut lines etc which suggests no bending to me.

Click image to enlarge

Words can’t convey what I’d do to these people!
I really feel your pain. I can’t quite get my head around £30k of damage in 1 corner though  Got - 2017 SDV8 Autobiography in Loire Blue
Had- 2008 TDV8 Vogue SE in Java black
Had - 2007 S/C in Stornoway Grey

My initial reaction was similar - base ball bats and all

I can’t believe it either which is why I posted it. Car is in superb condition and I am sure the work could be done for less. I don’t know if the diff is damaged but a new one is over £3k. Wheel, tyre, tpms must be another £2k from a dealer. Suspension etc perhaps another £2.5k. Bumper, wing and other bits perhaps £2k. Paint £1.5k say. So what’s that £11k plus labour. Spare wheel is brand new so pick up a half decent second hand combo for £150 and use that as the spare. That alone saves nearly £2k! £45k car at current pricing? 2018 SDV8 Autobiography (‘6
2017 SDV8 SV Autobiography ('67)
2016 TDV8 Vogue SE ('66)
2008 D3 HSE

It would be interesting to know how much the insurance would let you buy it for.
I guess that would make it a Cat N, or S? Got - 2017 SDV8 Autobiography in Loire Blue
Had- 2008 TDV8 Vogue SE in Java black
Had - 2007 S/C in Stornoway Grey

Cat S according to the insurance company 2018 SDV8 Autobiography (‘6
2017 SDV8 SV Autobiography ('67)
2016 TDV8 Vogue SE ('66)
2008 D3 HSE

If they have deemed it a CAT S. Then there must be structural damage, Probably to the OSF inner wing or chassis.

Doesn't take much these days to get around £30 grand mark with specialist aluminium repairs.

I know it's a pain, but at least you're ok.

It’s worth more parting it out than the residual value of the vehicle less the repair costs - and it’s a V8 2021 L405 Vogue SE 4.4 V8 DIESEL ~ #17

Did the insurance co say how much you could buy it from them for? They usually offer pretty good prices. I have repaired some salvage cars in the past so may be interested, especially if cheaper than buying from a salvage auction.

As soon as air bags go that's it - write off. Did they deploy?

Lovely car but really not worth the hassle to end up driving a cat S around.

I feel for you but in the fullness of time it will be nothing. - enjoy the replacement!

(Strip it bare before the insurance co have it - tow bar for one!)

Good luck. 405 AB exec seats Baltic and Cirrus
93 RR Classic efi

Remember it's easier to get forgiveness than permission!

Gone in order:
4.4 TDV8 SE - gone to a good home
93 Classic hard dash Plymouth Blue
03 L322 Oslo Blue
2000 Disco TD5 ES Epsom Green
98 P38 Rioja Red
89 Classic Cairngorm Brown

Yep always worth asking what they will sell it back to you for...

So sorry to see this …

Makes sure you apply to take the plate off the vehicle now … I lost a plate for 3 years due to a write off that I then had to apply back for ! Stephen Gazard

Range Rover L405 LWB SVA Overfinch / Bespoke
Maserati GT 2017
Maserati Levante Trofeo
Mercedes SL63 AMG
Mercedes S500L

Thanks Gents

The plate has already been transferred onto retention and I am waiting for the new V5C from the DVLA for the old plate to be put back on the car before its handed over to the insurance company / salvage agents

The airbags didn't deploy which is a major saving grace

Will keep you posted for anyone interested 2018 SDV8 Autobiography (‘6
2017 SDV8 SV Autobiography ('67)
2016 TDV8 Vogue SE ('66)
2008 D3 HSE

Keep an eye on Copart they sell a lot of written off cars I'm always amazed at how little damage to very expensive cars causes them to be written off, i guess its bodyshops charging insurance companies premium rates for insurance work, which ultimately costs us all.

Anyways i have seen cars 50-60k cars sell on copart for around half their repaired value with more damage, no idea if they are stripped for parts or repaired but a cat S or N must still be worth 15%+ less once repaired and a tough sell.

Sorry to hear this though and glad your ok, which is the main thing, police have an impossible job, so much crime going on, where do they start!

Typical of the scumbags that exist in our society!! They just wreck everything!!

Glad you're safe and sound and looking forward to seeing the replacement!!

Paul all smug in my new plug!

2021 Westminster Black D300
2013 Vogue SE - gone
Some Porsche Cayenne guff pretending to be a 4x4!!
2006 Vogue
2004 Vogue
2001 Vogue

Found a replacement car - involves a bit of a drive though and me putting my hand deeper into my pocket!

Car is a TDV8 AB on a '67 plate. Previous owner has put 22" rims on and the SVO body kit. Looks really nice in the Corris Grey with Ebony Leather. Was originally from the Newport area and now in the North of England. Hope to complete the purchase on Friday.

Will post pictures.

Kind regards

Andrew 2018 SDV8 Autobiography (‘6
2017 SDV8 SV Autobiography ('67)
2016 TDV8 Vogue SE ('66)
2008 D3 HSE