I have been waiting six months for my car to be repaired - will it be written off?
I took delivery of my Dacia Duster hybrid in late February 2025 but on 3rd July I had an accident at a roundabout damaging the wheel, right front suspension, steering rack, bodywork and headlights. I'm still waiting for it, they can't get the parts....
I was told by the repairers that insurance compant dragged their feet signing off the repair, apparently it was a "borderline write-off". There is no ETA for the parts they need and as things stand they've had the car as long as I had it. Is there a point where they will turn round and say "it can't be repaired and its a write off"?
Or can I ask for it to be written off and get something more suitable?
In the meantime, I drive around in an unsuitable Vauxhall Corsa....
Your advise is appreciated
I was told by the repairers that insurance compant dragged their feet signing off the repair, apparently it was a "borderline write-off". There is no ETA for the parts they need and as things stand they've had the car as long as I had it. Is there a point where they will turn round and say "it can't be repaired and its a write off"?
Or can I ask for it to be written off and get something more suitable?
In the meantime, I drive around in an unsuitable Vauxhall Corsa....
Your advise is appreciated
Asked on 28 November 2025 by Richard H
Answered by
Rhydian Jones
This claim could be reassessed for a potential total loss. When repair costs sit close to the vehicle’s market value, or when parts are unavailable for a long period, the repair may no longer be considered viable. In this instance, it would be up to your insurer to decide whether this is beyond economical repair.
Depending on your policy, you are entitled to request a total-loss review. Although, there is no guarantee of a write-off alone. Your insurer can re-evaluate the position in light of the ongoing delays. And your total loss settlement would be issued in line with the vehicle's market value at the time of the accident.
Depending on your policy, you are entitled to request a total-loss review. Although, there is no guarantee of a write-off alone. Your insurer can re-evaluate the position in light of the ongoing delays. And your total loss settlement would be issued in line with the vehicle's market value at the time of the accident.
We give you the low down on how to save on insurance, little-known tricks and tips, what insurance groups mean and how to use insurance aggregators to beat insurers.
Insurance group finder and how to save on insuranceSimilar questions
My insurers want to write off my damaged car which is repairable. What are my options?
I have been offered a cheap car but the seller has said it was once an insurance write off. A quick check shows it was a Cat B write off in 2008. Everything I read says a Cat B can only be sold for parts...
What do you say to buying a car that has been in a Category S accident? It is fully repaired and MOT'd?
Elsewhere on 
