Cars and motorbikes which have been damaged as a result of a road accident claim are either repaired or, if the damage is extensive, they may be declared as being a total loss.
In some cases the cost of repair can exceed the pre accident value of the damaged vehicle even if the damage is only superficial or easily repairable. This is caused a constructive total loss.
In all cases where the accident claim is dealt with by an insurance company as a result of a car or motorbike accident claim, the total loss should be reported by the insurer to the DVLA where the total loss will be recorded.
Total loss salvage is categorised under four separate categories. These vary from Category D when the vehicle repair is only marginally uneconomic and the vehicle can still be repaired and put back on the road, and category A, where the car must be crushed.
Repaired salvage can offer the opportunity to acquire a used car in good condition at a discounted price. However, buyers should beware of unrecorded recycled salvage which can result in a seriously damaged vehicle which has been poorly repaired being put back on the road.