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Can I keep and insure my car after it’s written off?

This article is for Marshmallow policyholders who want to keep their vehicle after it has been declared a total loss.

Updated over a month ago

If your car has been written off but you still want to keep and drive it, here’s what you need to know.


Can I keep my car?

Yes, you may be able to keep your vehicle if:

  • It is declared a Category S or N total loss

  • It is not a Category A or B write-off (which cannot legally be returned to the road)

  • You repair it to a safe and roadworthy condition


What documents do I need to send?

This depends on who assessed your car:

If a Marshmallow-approved engineer assessed the vehicle:

You only need to send a valid MOT certificate dated after the car was written off.

If a non-approved engineer assessed the vehicle:

You must send both:

  • A valid MOT certificate dated after the write-off, and

  • An Independent Engineer's Report (must be IAEA-accredited)


What is the deadline to send documents?

You have 30 days to send us the required documents. If we don’t receive them in time, your policy may be cancelled with 7 days’ notice.


Where do I upload the documents?

Log into your Marshmallow account and upload the files directly. If you need help, contact our support team.


Can I drive my car while waiting to upload documents?

No. You must not drive the vehicle until you’ve provided the required documents and received confirmation that it is back on cover. Driving without insurance or a valid MOT is illegal.


What if I no longer want the car?

If you decide not to keep the car, you can:

  • Let it go to salvage as part of your total loss claim

  • Cancel your policy or update it with a new vehicle

Let us know what you decide, and we’ll help you with the next steps.

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