Any car that is written off must be mot'd prior to it going back on the road regardless of what cat it is issued.

a VIC check is a Vehicle Identity Checker not an MOT in anyway at all.

A insurance company will obtain a quote to repair a vehicle using NEW manufacters parts where available. they can not fit/quote used parts as this is not putting you back into the postion you were in prior to the incident. it also makes warranty issues very difficult to deal with as they can't warrant used parts.

Anyone that thinks a repairer DOUBLES there costs because it's an insurance compnay footing the bill is sadly mistaken!! if some of you knew what insurance companys pay per hour you'd be surprised!! it's nothing near what you pay for mechanical repairs per hour!!

Average garage labour rate is £80-£90 per hour, average bodyshop insurance labour rate £26ph!!

With the implintaion of Thatchams Escribe repair methods and ATA VDA qualification it removes the chances of vehicles being repaired incorrectly, coupled with manufactors raising parts prices through the roof as well as crippling oil prices putting paint costs up repairing a vehicle is becoming a joke.

for instance how much do you think it costs to put a pair of rear doors on a 07 plated transit these days? nearly £1900 plus vat!!! and that was before they put the cost of the doors up again!!

I authorise over £1.5m of repairs a year and have noticed it, Trust me it's going to get worse!!!

the best bet is just to except the pay out and bang a 2nd hand door on it, VIC and MOT and drive it till it dies