Do I need to tell my insurer that the V5C says my car has been salvaged?
I recently bought a cheap car from a friend’s dad who had owned the car 12 years without incident but had failed its MoT I have had the repairs (failed ABS module) done and the car now has an MoT. Checking on the new V5 I noticed a comment “This vehicle has been salvaged because the estimated cost of commercial repair was more than the value of the vehicle”.
The car is now fully roadworthy, has never been subject to an insurance claim, has never been involved in an accident and is unmodified. How has the V5 come to include this comment and do I need to make my insurance company aware of this?
The car is now fully roadworthy, has never been subject to an insurance claim, has never been involved in an accident and is unmodified. How has the V5 come to include this comment and do I need to make my insurance company aware of this?
Asked on 20 August 2025 by Laura Mcdonnell
Answered by
Rhydian Jones
Thank you for your message. It’s always best to be upfront and honest with your insurance company. This is to make sure they’re aware of the state of your vehicle and remain safe on the roads. It will also ensure information around your premium and value is accurate.
The comment on your V5 could mean that the vehicle has previously been recorded as a write-off even if this wasn’t the result of an accident. This can happen for a range of reasons like being assessed and written off by an insurer, or due to non-accidental damage. Speaking to the DVLA is also an effective course of action, they could also advise what the comment is referring to.
The comment on your V5 could mean that the vehicle has previously been recorded as a write-off even if this wasn’t the result of an accident. This can happen for a range of reasons like being assessed and written off by an insurer, or due to non-accidental damage. Speaking to the DVLA is also an effective course of action, they could also advise what the comment is referring to.
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