Norwich Union Car Insurance Letdown

[Miss Roberts]

I had my car broken into around three weeks ago, someone had attempted to hot-wire it but failed, the car was a right-off. (broke small side window,and bent the steering shaft).
I'm aware that the car isn't worth more than maybe £500 (old j reg vw polo).
I have 4 years no claims with norwich union and they won't give me a penny, they explanation is that the work that would need doing to the car to get it back on the road comes to more than the cars value.
They're also charging me over £50 to cancel my insurance with them.
Has anybody out there got any advice about whether I have a hope of getting more money back from NU?

Thanks, Miss Roberts.

[ian cognito]

they explanation is that the work that would need doing to the car to get it back on the road comes to more than the cars value.

This is why the write-off situation exists (although not exactly calculated that way) they should pay you the value of the car, even if it's only £500, if they are refusing to pay out on those grounds, then they are also not providing the insurance they are contracted, and you have paid them, to provide.

[Trojan1401]

In the event an assessor deems the vehicle to be beyond economical repair then the insurers will consider it to be a "constructive" total loss.

They should therefore pay the market value of the vehicle however minus any excess.

Note however if you do claim then if the policy is then cancelled, no refund would be allowable however you should be able to change the insured vehicle.

[ian cognito]

That is, assuming you don't have third party only insurance of course, in which case you wouldn't be covered (sorry forgot that earlier)