Getting an Insurance Cover for Repairable Written-off Car ?

Hi there !

I've bought a car (Mazda 3 - 2012 model) which is Repairable written-off due to hail damage. The car is in pretty good condition except for minor hail dents on the roof, got it checked by a genuine mechanic here in Melbourne.
I'm very confused about the type of insurance cover(comprehensive / third party / etc) I should opt for.

The previous insurer would've marked the car written-off and already given a payout to the previous owner based on the car's market value. So if the car gets damaged now from an accident and I have a comprehensive cover, will it cover expenses from the accident.

What do you guys think ?

Thanks.

Comments

  • https://www.nrma.com.au/faq-details/162

    Can I insure my car if it has pre-existing hail damage?
    Yes, we do offer Market Value policies for cars that have pre-existing hail damage providing that they're in registrable condition.

  • +1

    How much did you pay for the car? How much are your comprehensive and third party fire theft insurance quotes? How much cash do you have in the bank? What are you like as a driver?

    With this information we can make a slightly more accurate decision.

    • +8

      Your sensible questions have no place in an OzB automotive insurance thread.

    • Hey mate,
      Thanks for your reply.
      My question is more wrt how insurance works for a written-off car.

      From what I've read so far - the previous insurer would've marked the car written-off and already given a payout to the previous owner based on the car's market value. So if the car gets damaged now from an accident and I have a comprehensive cover, will it cover all the expenses ?

      • +5

        will it cover all the expenses ?

        What did the insurance company say when you asked their helpful advice line on the phone…?

      • +2

        These cars are cheap for a reason, if you were going to insure it, the first thing you would have checked is if you can insure a written off vehicle before buying

  • +1

    Used to work in insurance (RACV) and yes they insured hail damage cars with Full Comp. You do however have to disclose this to them. There is a question when the policy is being underwritten that asks "Does the vehicle have any existing damage?" Once the customer said yes, it took you to a different screen where you would record the damage. At that point, depending on the level of damage the system would either approve or reject the insurance quote, or provide another options such as: "Based on existing damage we can only offer TPPD."

    I dont understand what you mean by "will it cover all the expenses?" Pre-existing damage isn't covered on any policy, so you can't take out insurance then make a claim to have the hail damage fixed.

    • Thanks for the info and I will look up RACV.
      I guess my wording caused some confusion there, just wanted to know if any damage caused from the accident and not the pre-existing ones will get covered in the policy.

      • +1

        Yes if you have a crash they will repair it to pre-crash condition. So if you scratch a panel, they will repaint it, but wont actively take out all the dings from the hail on that panel.

  • +1

    Hi subsul, if you’ve bought a car written off by an insurance company in Victoria it is a. unregistered b. uninsured & will c. be listed on the WOVR (Written-Off Vehicles Register)

    This car will require repairs to manufacture specifications; including a repair logbook, receipts for parts, before & after photos, measurements, etc, to pass a - VIV (Vehicle Identity Validation) inspection (It’ll also need a separate roadworthy) in order to be reregistered & then you can start looking into insurance.

    I suggest you read the following:
    https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/registration/vehicle-modific…

    So you are looking at:
    1. Repair costs to pass a VIV inspection, make sure your mechanic/panel beater is familiar with the requirements
    2. Additional costs (to pass VIV) - wheel alignment (mechanic) & airbag & seatbelt check (Mazda dealership)
    3. VIV inspection
    4. Roadworthy
    5. Car registration
    6. Insurance

    If its purely cosmetic hail damage the requirements may not be as stringent:
    https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/registration/vehicle-modific…

    Best of luck

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