How do insurance companies calculate the value of a write off?

On what basis does an insurance company calculate the payout figure of a write-off? If it decides to write off my badly accident-damaged car but I think the figure is too low, what are my options?

Is insuring a car that's a Cat N write off more expensive?

Is insuring a Cat N vehicle more expensive and if so so by what percentage? My vehicle was hit from behind at low speed (about 10mph) with very little damage sustained. It has been deemed a Cat N write...

Are Cat S write off cars safe?

I have never bought a category A, B or C car. However I'm looking to swap my ageing 57 plate Nissan soon and I've noticed a Ford Kuga for sale that is a Cat S write off. When I asked what structural damage...

Repairing my car has been deemed uneconomical - can I seek a second opinion?

After an accident, my garage says the necessary repair is not economical. It is an old car but so useful to me. Should I seek a second opinion?

I bought a Cat C write off - is the dealer legally obliged to inform me what damage was caused?

I recently purchased a 2007 Vauxhall Astra knowing it was a Cat C write off. The problem is the garage didn't show me evidence of what damage was caused, just that it had had a shunt from behind. Was he...

Our car was written off - can we claim for the roof bars we've had to replace?

We had our car written off (not our fault) and had to buy a new one. We use a roof box when we go on holiday each year and so I had to buy new roof bars as the new car has a different type of roof rail....

My car has been written off - can I challenge the value they've given it?

My car has been declared a total loss as the repair cost is significantly higher than the market value and I expect an insurance payout. However my insurance company will not take into account the £3300...

My lease car has been written off - will I get a like for like replacement?

My four-month-old BMW has been written off in an accident. I’m insured through Axa but the car was leased through Alphabet. My policy indicates that because of the age the vehicle will be replaced with...

My car was written off but the cost of repair is far less than the value - is this right?

My 2009 car was damaged in an accident after skiding off the road into a ditch. My insurers says the car is valued at £8960 and have written it off with category N. The cost of repair is given as £2717...

Can a car be written off over phone?

Can a car be written off over phone? I don't think the damage is bad at all, just the front grille and a dented bumper. Looking at the structure, all looks fine?