- Published 30/06/2025
When Fixing Isn’t Worth It: Understanding Rejected Repairs and Vehicle Salvage
Not every damaged car can—or should—be repaired. Sometimes, the cost of fixing a vehicle outweighs its market value, leaving drivers facing a frustrating reality: their car has been deemed a "total loss" or a "rejected repair." But what exactly does this mean, and what happens next?
What Is a Rejected Repair?
When a car sustains significant damage—whether from a crash, mechanical failure, or other incident—it will often be assessed by a mechanic or insurance adjuster. If the estimated repair bill exceeds the vehicle’s value, or if the damage renders the car unsafe or unroadworthy, the insurance provider may decide not to proceed with repairs. This is what’s referred to as a rejected repair, and it usually means the car will be written off and classed as salvage.
This decision isn’t made lightly. Insurance companies weigh up labour and parts costs against the current value of the car. If the numbers don’t add up, a payout is typically offered instead of authorising a costly repair. In many cases, the damage may not even appear catastrophic, but issues such as structural problems, electrical faults, or deployed airbags can tip the balance.
Why Repairs Get Rejected
There are several key reasons why insurers or repairers reject repairs:
The car isn’t roadworthy>/h2>: If the damage affects the core safety of the vehicle, such as the chassis, brakes, or steering, it may not legally or safely return to the road.
The car is beyond economical repair (BER)
: If repair costs exceed the car's value, it’s simply not financially viable.Extensive labour required
: Even with replaceable parts, if the labour time is extensive, the cost can become prohibitive.Unreliable repair prognosis
: Sometimes it’s unclear whether a repair will fully resolve the issues, especially in complex electrical or engine faults, making it a risky investment.What Happens Next?
When your vehicle has been rejected for repair, it’s typically classified into one of several insurance write-off categories. Depending on the severity, it may be resold as salvage for parts or scrapped entirely. Here’s what you need to consider:
You may be offered a settlement
: This is usually the car’s pre-accident value minus any applicable excess.You can repurchase the vehicle
: Some insurers allow policyholders to buy back salvage vehicles for repair or to use as parts. However, you’ll likely need to prove that it has been restored to roadworthy condition if you plan to drive it again.It could be sold to a salvage buyer
: Specialist salvage companies purchase rejected repair cars to reuse working parts or even fully rebuild certain vehicles.Insurance and Tax Considerations
If you're keeping the car after the assessment—for example, to sell it privately as salvage—you'll still be responsible for insurance and road tax until the vehicle is officially taken off the road. That means:
You must keep your insurance active
until you either scrap the car or transfer ownership.SORN it if it's undrivable
: A Statutory Off-Road Notification (SORN) will remove your obligation to tax or insure the car while it’s parked off-road.Inform the DVLA and your insurer
of any changes in ownership, scrapping, or salvage status to avoid penalties.If another driver caused the incident, their insurer may cover your loss in full. However, if you're at fault or uninsured losses are involved, you may be responsible for covering the costs until the process is resolved.
Scrapping or Salvaging: What’s the Best Option?
If the car is too far gone, scrapping is a simple, legal, and environmentally responsible choice. You’ll need to use an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF), which will issue a Certificate of Destruction and ensure all hazardous components are safely disposed of. Alternatively, if the car still has valuable, working parts, salvage buyers may offer you a higher price than scrap value, especially if the vehicle is under 12 years old.
Need Help with a Rejected Repair?
At Motorwise, we make it easy to deal with salvage vehicles. Whether you’re trying to determine the meaning of your rejected repair or seeking a competitive price to scrap your car, our team is here to assist. Get a free quote online or speak with one of our experts today for a hassle-free way to move forward.
