Cat C write-off (MSVA needed?)

[Mitch]

I've been told up until recently that my bike is going to be a cat-C write off (that is until I told them I could get it repaired far cheaper than the 'inspector' said, when I pointed out a few things he was blagging about to bump up the cost - they are now talking about payment in Leiu to fix it :D ), even though all the damage (apart from the right hand engine stator cover and ATU) is minor cosmetic (handlebars, mirror, tank, indicators and headlight).

Can anyone advise me of what I would need to do legally to get the bike back on the road? Will it need an MSVA test or would a straight forward MOT do?

[Sir Ewok]

Don't take this as gospel, but I would say that since all the damage is cometic ie. parts you can replace without weakening or altering the structure of the bike, then an MOT should be OK. If it was an alteration of the frame, then I believe an MSVA would be apropriate.
Could try asking on the MSVA thread at the top of this page.

[Wolfen]

Several years back my Kawa GT750 was stolen/recovered. I don't what category it fell into but it needed a lot of bits replacing ie brake discs, clocks, indicators, ignition switch, one of the switch gear, and welding on the head due to the exhaust bolts breaking off. I got the GT750 back on the road and only had to supply a copy of the MOT and a letter from the mechanic saying it was roadworthy and all repair work had been carried.

[swyn]

Hello mate done this meself last year albeit on a 50cc twist 'n' go for the daughter.Once you have got it up and running get it MOT'd.Then you have to get it insured (if it aint already that is!).The hard bit is finding an insurance company that will take it on board without an engineers report first.That is to make sure it is fit to go back on the road ie straight frame - round wheels (dont larf they check em for concentricity-I had to look that one up!!).Once you have done all that take it to your local DVLA office and if they are happy with what you have done (keep ALL receipts) you get the green light and if you talk to them nicely they might let you keep your old reg no.If you cannot prove date of first reg then its the old Q plate unfortunately.Hope that is of help to you any bits you are not sure of pm me ok?

[Mad Dog]

If they are gonna effectively pay out for the repairs on your estimate, then they should recategorise the write off, or not write it off at all.

[trikerdrew]

Maybe I'm bitter & twisted but as I see it-buy v5 logbook.If the thing needs stripping to check everything swop frame-bingo,legit bike!
Iknow all the problems with folks selling logbooks on etc etc.
Engineers reports,Q plate perhaps-no ta! Had Q plate trail bike (rmx250)all legal got pulled twice a month so bollox to Q plates and higher insurance as well,robbing bast*rds.
Good luck!!
Drew.

[Mitch]

If they are gonna effectively pay out for the repairs on your estimate, then they should recategorise the write off, or not write it off at all.

They didn't seem too keen at first... they wanted to take their report as gospel, though the bike was inspected by someone who couldn't find the frame number and didn't know anything about bikes (he expected a large VIN Plate on the side of the frame like a car ffs! :rolleyes: ) I've now given them photographic evidence to show them how little the damage is compared with the report and broken down the cost of replacing what needs replacing (made his £1800 quote for parts look rather stupid and overinflated!).

Lets wait and see!

[minxy]

Good luck Mitch :o

[MSVA Tech]

Hi,

Got to admit I dont realy have a scoobies about insurance write offs but from an MSVA point of view if the bike retains it's original registration then it wont need MSVA.

Cheers

Chris

[mark4x4]

hi i deal with a lot of cat c & d bikes, all i do is mot them and there back on the road, done at least 100 now never had any prpblems at all :)

[Mitch]

The good thing about living where we do, is that our close is full of bikers, they all recommended the same place to take the bike for MOTs.

It's a garage run by bikers - they work on cars and bikes (a couple of GSXR's and harleys are always parked up there). They've inspected the bike and say it can be repaired for about six hundred quid (inc. parts I still have to buy - existing spares only go so far).

I've also given the insurers grounds as to why their inspection was a shambles and how their valuation won't even get me a bike off Ebay ffs! If they still want to write it off, I've found so many adverts that just happen to say GT750, 1984 (:eek: ) for £1,150 and similar (mine's a '91) I think they might just have to pay up.

My brokers have been keen to help me - as they don't seem to like the insurers either!!

[Mitch]

hi i deal with a lot of cat c & d bikes, all i do is mot them and there back on the road, done at least 100 now never had any prpblems at all :)
Easy eh?!! Why are the insurance companies so feckin' ignorant then?

[Sir Ewok]

Because they are ONLY about making money. They know feck-all about bikes and cars or the cost of repairs etc. Take yer money, spend yer money, pay..... feck all. :mad:

[Doro]

My brokers have been keen to help me - as they don't seem to like the insurers either!!

am I misunderstanding this or summat? surely the broker is the one who sold you the insurance from this particular insurance company?

if so then the broker takes a cut and is 'employed' by you to find a good deal with a reputable company, and the broker is partly responsible if they sell you insurance from a poor insurance company

innit?

[Mitch]

am I misunderstanding this or summat? surely the broker is the one who sold you the insurance from this particular insurance company?

if so then the broker takes a cut and is 'employed' by you to find a good deal with a reputable company, and the broker is partly responsible if they sell you insurance from a poor insurance company

innit?

I know it sounds daft, but all I've had from the brokers so far (a nationally advertised one beginning with B) is 'When you get evidence of bikes that cost more than you're offered, let us know and we'll help...'

Weird sh1t I know but they've had a lot of flack from the same insurer. :confused: