Mini written off historically - big problem?

[deirdragon]

Hi all, I have just found out that my 92 cooper was written off in the UK before I purchased it. It was written off, changed owner and subsequently passed an mot before it was bought for me and imported.
What are the concerns with this?

[Billy]

It may not be as bad as you think. It was clearly damaged at some point in the UK and the insurance company may have decided that it was cheaper to write it off than pay for the repairs. It depends if there was much structural damage done to the car. A motor insurance assessor (google one in your area) should be able to advise you.

I had an every day car years ago that was written off, I bought it from the insurance company and had it repaired myself. Perfectly legal.

[woody]

There are four levels of insurance write off A - D
Goes something like this
A. Financial write off. Car may be repaired and returned to use at the owners expense.
B. structural Damage. Car may be repaired and has to pass an engineers report.
C. Suitable for parts. Car may be dismantled and parts used on other cars
D. Total destruction. Car and all its parts are or must be destroyed.(Fire)

If your car falls into either of the first two categories your ok. A history check should show a record of which .

[deirdragon]

Thanks so much for your replies. I freaked out there as mine was a Category C. However just did a bit of research the UK write off system and it would seem it's the other way around, Cat A is the worst case.
https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/know ... ance-mean/

So I think based on above and the fact that the car changed hands and then passed MOT I think I'm OK?

Thanks all