What Happens When an Insurance Company Declares Your Car a Write-Off?
When your vehicle is involved in an accident, your insurer might decide to write it off if the repair costs exceed a certain percentage of its insured value—usually around 70% to 80% of the car’s market value. However, you don’t have to accept this decision without question.
Many South African car owners are unaware that they can dispute a vehicle write-off decision. If you believe your car can be repaired at a reasonable cost, you have the right to request an independent assessment and dispute the insurer’s choice.
How to Dispute a Vehicle Write-Off in South Africa
If your insurer tells you that your car is beyond repair, follow these steps:
Request a Repair Quotation – Get an independent quotation from a certified auto body repairer like HJ Bosch and Sons. Our expert team will assess the damage and determine if repairs are feasible.
Negotiate with Your Insurer – If repairs are possible at a lower cost, present the quotation and request a reassessment of your claim.
Escalate the Dispute – If your insurer refuses to reconsider, you can escalate the matter to the Short-Term Insurance Ombudsman (OSTI), which handles disputes between policyholders and insurance companies.
Dispute vehicle write-off
HJ Bosch and Sons: Your Repair Alternative to a Write-Off
At HJ Bosch and Sons, we specialize in vehicle repairs and can help you avoid an unnecessary write-off.
Here’s how we assist:
✔ Free Damage Assessments – We evaluate the repairability of your vehicle.
✔ Detailed Repair Quotations – Transparent pricing to support your dispute.
✔ High-Quality Auto Body Repairs – We use OEM-approved techniques and materials.
✔ Industry Compliance – As a SAMBRA-accredited repairer, we meet insurance and regulatory standards.
Don't Settle for a Write-Off – You Have a Choice!
Many South Africans have successfully saved their cars from being written off by seeking expert advice. Before agreeing to an insurer’s decision, let us evaluate your vehicle and explore repair options.
💡 Get a second opinion today! Contact HJ Bosch and Sons on +27 67 072 0925 for a professional assessment.
📍 Visit us online: www.hjbosch-sons.co.za
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