My son went into the back of another vehicle a few weeks ago. The car he hit sustained a small scratch - nothing else. His car sustained some damage to the front bonnet and bumper on the drivers side. The car is a V-reg Fiat Punto. We received a letter from the insurance company today to say they have classed it as a write-off. They have valued the car at £995 and with £500 excess they will send him a cheque for £495, as it is not financially viable for them to do the work.

What are our options? Can we say we want the car back and get the repairs done ourselves? I keep reading on the internet that you have to buy the car back off the insurance company? If we get a garage to do the work how would that affect the insurance we already have - would they cancel it? Does the DVLA need to judge the car roadworthy?