I have been involved in a crash and the other party has already admitted liability. Our car is written off, and is being taken off our driveway later this week by the assesors. Damage is to front, drivers side doors and B pillar.

I have a couple of questions though:

Is it worth taking out things like the CD changer, spare alloy to sell privately and try and make a bit of cash. And at what point do i remove the tax disc to claim that back.

Also, do i refuse their 1st offer for the car, and aim to get the £4800 i was going to sell it for next week?

A sad end to an immaculate low mileage vRS:( , but at least there were no injuries.

If it has been written off (confirmed by your insurer, not just your opinion), then get everything out whilst you can. Technically speaking the wreckage belongs to the insurance company as soon as they pay out, but most likely they won't care to inspect the missing items (unless you try to remove any panel bits, etc).

I'd remove the tax disk now as well.

Sorry to hear about the car though.

Do you have a written offer of that £4800?

If so then that is the cars value and sending a copy of the insurance company should get you that.

Sorry about the car, I was gutted when mine was written off, and apart from the tax, it appears there isn't really that much of a market for MK I parts privatly.

If you had an arm rest I'd say nab that but otherwise the spare wheel isn't going to get you much :(

Mate gutted for you the best thing you can do is whats been said rag the tax disc out claim that back and wait for the insurance money to come through

I believe your car is a 2001 vRS and I'd be very suprised if the insurance company offered you more than about £3000 to £3500 and if you start taking bits off it before it's value has been assessed, you will undoubtedly reduce its value. If you remove parts after you have accepted an offer, I guess it could be considered as theft.

I had a car stolen that was in the process of having a panel resprayed i.e. in primer. The vehicle was recovered and the insurance company made me an offer, less an amount for the missing bumper (in my garage) and for having incomplete paint work.

I would certainly argue your case and reject the first offer. Provide them with supporting evidence as to your perceived value of the car. You can print a "certificate" of your vehicles value from the Parkers Car price Guide on the internet. Photocopy adverts of similar cars. Glass's Guides make a small charge for a valuation but are the motor trades bible in terms of vehicle valuation and would add to your ammunition. Make sure they are aware of any factory fitted optional extras (but not the fancy aftermarket wide wheels and tinted windows that you didn't notify them of). If you are prepared to wait and haggle a bit you are likely to be made a better offer.

There is plenty of advice around in motoring magazines, websites and motoring organisations. I found this one which makes reassuring noises that may make you a little more optimistic. Car Insurance Buyers' Guide - Money extra

Anyway, you have my sympathy for what its worth. I have always thought of motor insurance in particular. as legalised fraud.

just a thought..

Possibly worth nicking the floor mats and fixings if they are in good condition as they insurance wont pay for these and if you get another MK I these will fit and save you buying a new set.

Thanks for all your help, I was going to put it up for £4800, and go down to about £4500, as the car really was in good shape. Anyway, the parts that I plan to keep are:

Boot Luggage net

Spare alloy & Tyre

CD changer

Matts

O/S indicator (popped out on impact as is intact

Tax disc

Also have 4 Conti sport tyres i was going to fit, so they can sell also.

Hopefully that'll make me a bit of pocket money...

Hell, take out all the seats (vRS interior is quite sought after in the octavia world ) The vRS gearknob as well (probably comes away with ashtray or something). There's plenty you could do as well - You could sneakily remove the coilpacks from the engine too.

I've sent you a PM about the tyres

Sorry to hear about the write-off, glad that no-one was injured. Perhaps a good idea to have a chat with a mechanic (?) face-to-face and ask how you can get the most money out of the situation.

Anything that's not screwed down isn't really part of the car, but I guess alloys and CD changers are screwed down....

Cheers

Bas

Am sorry, but now this is turning into a 'what can i get thread', I am forced to close it. Get yourself a Freedom account and sell all the parts in the world...