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Plenty of cars and other vehicles that are written off by insurance companies are not necessarily as dead as a dodo. In fact, many can be fixed up and sent back onto the road in no time at all, and for any car buyer looking for a good deal, a write-off can prove tempting. However, you do need to be careful, as there are plenty of ways you could end up being taken for a – very dangerous – ride. Let’s take a closer look at some of the basics of buying a write-off, and what you need to do to avoid trouble.

The value in written-off cars

Cars are written-off because they are damaged beyond a point where insurance companies feel it will cost to fix. So if your car is worth $5,000 at the point of an accident, but repairs will cost more than that, no insurer is likely to give you a payout – and will write-off our vehicle. For a car buyer, the value lies in a written-off car that doesn’t cost as much to repair as the insurance providers think. However, some cars are written off merely because they are dangerous, and it’s important to understand the difference.

Check the Written Off Vehicle Register

To accurately establish the condition of any vehicle you are thinking of buying, you should always check with the Written Off Vehicle Register (WOVR). This initiative was created to prevent dodgy repair companies fixing up write-offs and putting them back into the market as used cars, rather than ex-write-offs. It’s a process known as ‘rebirthing’ and often results in the car getting a new identity. The truth is that whether you are buying new or a write-off, you should always check this service out regardless.

Find repair services

Obviously, the best value in buying a previously written off vehicle relies on you doing the repairs. They are a great option for a DIY project, of course, but you should be able to find plenty of professionals to help if you don’t have the skills. Check your local business directory for mechanics with experience of working with write-offs and smash repairs. Bear in mind that buying a write-off is not for the faint of heart, and it’s important to be able to estimate the actual cost of any damage. Some repair jobs could exceed your expectations, so always get it inspected by a qualified individual first.

Return to the road

You will need to have a string of safety checks on your new purchase when it is fixed, to prove its roadworthiness. If you don’t go through this process, the car will be illegal – and you will end up in a lot of trouble if caught. You should also bear in mind that when you sell it on, it will be necessary to declare it as a write-off. And this could cause you problems, as most people will turn their backs on a car as soon as they realise its history of being a write-off. However, if you want to save money and grab a bargain vehicle that could last you for many years, the write-off market is worth a look – just be careful what you buy!

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There are a million and one reasons why you might need to consider buying cars, trucks, or vans for your business. Whether it’s a little company car or an entire fleet of delivery vehicles, there are plenty of advantages of investing in wheels for your enterprise.

Cars are flexible and can act as an enticing offer to prospective employees. Vans are handy for deliveries and are also the workhorse of many a business. And if you need to deliver on a  massive scale – possibly across international borders – then trucks will be an essential purchase.

The big question is, how do you go about investing in a fleet of vehicles? Let’s take a look at everything you need to know – and what to expect.

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Is it worth buying?

First of all, you will need to establish whether buying vehicles will be more cost-effective than leasing them. In many cases, leasing your fleet of vehicles will be a better move, as it helps you control costs and spread them evenly over a year. Bear in mind that depreciation comes into play when you buy new vehicles, too, which you won’t have to worry about in a leasing plan. However, in some cases – if you are using plots of cars, for example – it is sometimes better to buy than lease. When you buy multiple vehicles, you will often get a fleet discount, and there may be other accounting reasons for making a purchase.  

What are the costs?

The expenses of owning a fleet of vehicles will vary depending on what – and how many – you buy. You will need to run regular maintenance programs to ensure your assets are in good shape and there are plenty of one-off costs to consider, such as using a 24/7 truck breakdown service or bringing in mechanics. There’s the cost of storage to consider, too – lorries and vans take up a lot of room, and you will need to pay for that space. Finally, insurance is a must if you have a business fleet.

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What systems do I need?

You will also need to invest in a robust fleet management and logistics program to ensure you are keeping track of everything. Fuel costs, health, and safety, routes, license checks – they are all needed when you own a fleet and are employing drivers. Logistics is a vital part of any business that uses vehicles, and the goal for every company in this situation is to cut costs without impacting service quality.

Who should drive them?

While company cars can be offered to any employee with a license, it’s a little different for vans and trucks. It is imperative that you hire drivers that are sensible on the roads, and have clean licenses. You should also offer plenty of training, to ensure they always comply with health and safety issues. It might be worth buying a fleet with telematics technology on board, too, so that you can ensure that all drivers are using their vehicles at the appropriate speeds.

OK, so there you have it – a brief guide to some of the basics of buying a fleet for your business. I hope it has helped!

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And thanks for reading! 🙂