Car Accident: Write off or Repairable?

Hi Guys
Got into a car accident today.
Just wondering by looking at this photo.. does anyone have any idea or experience to comment whether it looks like a write off or if it is repairable?

Pic: https://files.ozbargain.com.au/upload/89773/39756/img_9598.j…

Thanks in advance.

Comments

  • Probably a good idea to edit the post to state the car make, model & year so someone can give a better answer, the value of the car will make a big difference.

    • Thanks, I have edited the post to include the info

  • -2

    Looks like a write off if engine is damaged.

    What happened? Not another mistook the accelerator for brakes lol?

    • The other guy turned on red.. :(

      • May I ask what sort of speed you were doing? That's a heck of a lot of damage.

        As already mentioned, more than likely a write-off.

  • Holy crap! There would be bent chassis under there!

    Airbags go off?

    • Airbags didn't go off surprisingly and the collision bar at the front looks pretty good and in shape.
      Just trying to figure out if its write off or repair.. to work out how long I will be without a car for

      • +5

        Likely a repairable write off, not that you'd really want that car back repaired!

        Might be able to claim a hire car until it's proven 1 way or the other.

        • THanks for your help Spackbace
          Just curious, does repairable write off mean that the insurance company will pay out? or will they prefer to repair it?
          Sorry this is my first time being involved in an accident.

        • @Bargainboi:

          Repairable write off means it's not financially viable for them to fix it, so they pay you out and send it to auction

        • @Spackbace:
          Thanks for the information Spackbace.
          Really appreciate it!

        • +1

          @Bargainboi:

          Actually just noticed, might be worth seeing if your policy has 'new for old replacement'. As your car is only about a year old, they sometimes replace it with the brand new model. I think only some insurers offer this though.

      • As far as hire car goes.. its based on the At Fault persons policy.
        If they have hire car coverage (usually pay extra) then you can claim their car hire, if they don't most of the time you wont get one.

        Saying that, if you are with a insurer that lets you choose your own repairer a lot of panel shops (sheen etc) have hire cars at no cost if you choose to get the work done with them. I know Sheen panel service will actually handle your claim for you, just take them the car and they do the rest

  • If you are not at fault, you shouldn't be without a car. Try notmyfault or compassclaims or right2drive.

  • If it was my car I would want to write it off. The ultimate decision is up to your insurance company and you. If the cost of repair is over what the car was insured for it will be a write off. If the cost of repair is under then you can choose to accept the lesser amount as a write off.

  • +19

    That will buff out.

  • Peugeot 206 work in progress?
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50A9wjJ40Dk

  • I've seen similar damage repaired most probably using second hand parts. If it is repaired consider selling it while it is still shiny.

  • OMG, With that kind of damage, I would definitely have it written off. Lucky u got off unscathed.

  • +1

    Damage isn't too bad, it just looks so because some damaged parts were removed.
    You can see that nothing structural was damaged, even both fenders are OK. Should be a matter of new hood, lights and plastic parts, possible radiators. Airbags didn't go off - another hint that damage is not too serious.

  • Show pictures from sides and underneath. Check if A pillars are bent. If they are, then its a write off. See if engine mount points have pushed back. Would need closer inspection than just pictures tbh. But most insurance companies after checking cost of repairs will mark it as repairable write off.

  • Just an FYI that if you have any kids car seats in the car they will need replacing (at the insurers cost of course!).

  • -1

    She'll be right. Just the front bumper fell off

  • Since the car is valued around $22K my guess is the insurance company will prefer to repair it. You have to do a lot of damage to be able to reach $20K (unless its European parts that cost a fortune).

    The photo shows the passenger door able to be opened, windscreen is intact, all side panels intact. There are places that can do a dodgey chassis straightening very cheap and same with paint spraying.

    I'm not a smash repairer but my Dad owned a brand new Toyota Echo (value = $15K). It was T-boned on the passenger side by a hit and run drunk driver in an 80km/h zone. We thought the Echo would be a write off but the insurer decided to repair by cutting out the B-pillar and welding in a new pillar.

    • Insurance companies would generally do a write off if it's over half the value of the car to repair (so $11K in this case), or at least that has been my experience…

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