Question 1

Can I keep my car if it's been written off?

Accepted Answer

In many cases an insurer will allow you to keep a written-off vehicle, depending on its write-off category and their own rules. Cat N and Cat S vehicles can usually be retained. Cat A and Cat B vehicles normally cannot.

Question 2

How much does it cost to keep a written-off car?

Accepted Answer

Your insurer normally deducts an amount for the vehicle's salvage value from your settlement. That deduction is the cost of keeping the car. The figure varies between insurers and vehicles.

Question 3

What happens after a car is written off?

Accepted Answer

Your insurer assesses the damage, confirms the total loss, agrees a settlement value, and arranges collection of the vehicle unless you decide to keep it. You can send your details to FairSalvage at any point in that process.

Question 4

My insurer is collecting my car — is it too late?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. Tell us when collection is due and we'll prioritise your review, though we can't promise to respond before a collection that's already booked.

Question 5

What is salvage retention?

Accepted Answer

When a vehicle is declared a total loss, an insurer may in some circumstances allow the owner to keep the vehicle. The insurer may deduct the vehicle's salvage value from the settlement. This is sometimes referred to as salvage retention, a salvage deduction or a buy-back figure.

Question 6

Does FairSalvage buy written-off vehicles?

Accepted Answer

FairSalvage may make an offer to purchase suitable vehicles following review. Not every vehicle will qualify and you're under no obligation to accept an offer.

Question 7

Is the review free?

Accepted Answer

Yes. There is no charge for the initial FairSalvage review.

Question 8

Do I have to sell my vehicle to FairSalvage?

Accepted Answer

No.

Question 9

What if I don't know my salvage-retention figure?

Accepted Answer

You can still submit your vehicle. Your insurer may be able to provide this figure if you ask what would be deducted from your settlement if you retained the vehicle.

Question 10

Can I submit a Cat N or Cat S vehicle?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can submit either. If you don't know the category, select 'Not sure'.

Question 11

Does submitting guarantee an offer?

Accepted Answer

No. FairSalvage reviews each submission individually and only makes purchase offers on selected vehicles.

Question 12

Why does FairSalvage need my insurer's retention figure?

Accepted Answer

It helps us understand the financial position if you're considering keeping the vehicle. Without it, we can still review your submission, but our assessment may be more limited.

Question 13

What if my insurer has already arranged collection?

Accepted Answer

You can still submit your vehicle. Let us know when collection is due so we understand where you are in the process.

Question 14

Will FairSalvage definitely buy my car?

Accepted Answer

No. We review each vehicle individually. If a vehicle meets our buying criteria, we may make a no-obligation offer.

Frequently asked questions