Superquote Glossary: Insurance Write Off / Total Loss

A write off is a term that is used in UK car insurance.  It is used when a vehicle is damaged to such an extent that the repairs would be more than (or close to) the vehicles market value.  This applies to cars, motorbikes, vans and all vehicles.

In these instances, if the damage was caused by an insured event, the policyholder will be paid out by the insurer.  Clearly if the policyholder suffered the damage for a non insured event (e.g. a fire when only covered for third party only) then they have lost their asset.

In some cases, a policyholder may come to an arrangement with the insurer over the scrappage of the vehicle.  Many people choose to try and repair the cars themselves if they believe it is a salvagable vehicle.  Re registering a car after a total loss, can mean the car is a Q plate.  If you are looking for Q Plate Car Insurance, follow the link.