On the RS Q8 the main question after a collision is not whether it will be repaired, but whether the loss adjuster will still have the vehicle repaired or write it off.
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In brief
The RS Q8 combines the weight of the large SUV with a drivetrain and braking system from the top of the market. That makes the repair bill per claim high: sprung suspension, large wheel sizes, a braking system with specific components and a body with a great deal of aluminium and bonded joints. The result is that these cars run up against the total loss threshold sooner than models with comparable panel damage but simpler engineering.
A total loss is not a technical judgement but a calculation. The loss adjuster sets the repair costs against the market value less the salvage value of the damaged vehicle. If repair costs more, the car is written off economically, even where it can technically be repaired. You then receive the market value, less the salvage value if you want to keep the vehicle yourself, and less your excess.
Then comes the administrative side: a written-off vehicle is given a status marker in the vehicle register, usually 'awaiting inspection'. You may not drive it until the repair has been carried out and the vehicle has passed a fresh inspection. Weigh that up before you take on the wreck. For the types of cover see comprehensive or third-party, fire and theft.
The structure of the cover in three parts, with an overview per situation below.
Compulsory
Third-party liability
Damage you cause to others.
Required by law
As long as the registration is in your name
Suspend the registration when not in use
Third-party liability plus
Third-party, fire and theft
Causes beyond your control.
Fire and storm
Theft
Windscreen damage
Comprehensive cover
Comprehensive
Including damage you cause yourself.
Own fault
Vandalism
Replacement-as-new period
What is covered
Situation
Third-party liability
Third-party, fire and theft
Comprehensive
Damage to the other party
Yes
Yes
Yes
Theft
No
Yes
Yes
Fire and storm
No
Yes
Yes
Damage you cause yourself
No
No
Yes
Wear and mechanical defects
No
No
No
Driving without a valid licence
No
No
No
This overview is general in nature and is not personal advice. What is actually covered, including exclusions, limits and the excess, is set out in the policy conditions and the insurance card (verzekeringskaart) of the insurer; you receive both before you take out cover. Taking out cover without advice? Then read what execution only means for you.
Where things go wrong in practice
Four points that make the difference between a policy that pays out and one that does not.
The adjuster's report determines the outcome, so read it
The loss adjuster records which parts have to be replaced, which hourly rates apply and which market value and salvage value he is using. If you disagree with that assessment, virtually every policy carries a right to a second opinion: you have your own expert assess the damage and those costs are usually met by the insurer. Use that right before you accept the proposal, because after that the discussion is closed.
Salvage value and the WOK status
If you want to keep the written-off vehicle, the salvage value is deducted from the settlement. Bear in mind that the vehicle register then marks the vehicle as 'awaiting inspection': you may only drive on public roads after repair and a fresh inspection. That status remains visible on resale too and permanently depresses the value. On a car in this segment that counts for more than the amount you save by repairing it yourself.
Parts that push the repair bill up
Air suspension, large wheels with low-profile tyres, a braking system with specific discs and a body with bonded aluminium panels can rarely be repaired in part. Even a single kerb impact can therefore lead to whole sections being replaced. Always have damage to the suspension and wheels assessed: alignment discrepancies that are not visible come back later as tyre wear and can then no longer be linked to the incident.
What falls outside the cover
Not covered are tyre damage without other damage at the same time, wear to brakes and clutch, and loss of value after a properly carried out repair. Damage during speed events or track use remains outside it too. If you do not report the damage in good time and the insurer's investigation is harmed as a result, Article 7:941 DCC gives it grounds to limit the payout; intent falls under Article 7:952 DCC.
What does your premium depend on?
Average repair bill per claim. Insurers rate this segment on the claims cost per event, not on the frequency of claims.
How the model's market value moves. A rapid fall in value increases the chance that a claim is settled as a total loss.
Weight and engine power. Together these set the third-party rating group and the damage to be expected on the other party's side.
Excess for own-damage cover. Often applied at an increased level in this class and payable in full on a total loss.
Repair inside or outside the network. Steering towards an approved bodyshop affects both the premium and the excess.
Storage and security. In this value segment, alarm, tracking system and storage requirements are often included as clauses.
Insurers weigh these details differently. That is where your saving is.
How we arrange it
You request a quoteWe take stock of your situation, your risk and your wishes.
We compareseveral insurers, on premium as well as conditions.
You receive a proposalWith an explanation of the differences and the exclusions.
We arrange the switchIncluding cancellation, so there is no gap in cover.
Customers rate our service on four aspects: personal service, service delivery, availability and the outcome. The reviews are collected and published by NH1816 and come from customers who have actually taken out a policy with Finass Advies B.V. or reported a claim.
When the estimated repair costs come out higher than the market value less the salvage value of the damaged vehicle. That is an economic assessment, not a technical judgement: a car that could perfectly well be repaired may still be written off. The loss adjuster sets out the market value, salvage value and repair estimate in his report; always ask for that report.
Can I challenge the loss adjuster's assessment?
Yes. Virtually every policy gives you the right to appoint your own expert, and those costs are usually met by the insurer. If the two experts cannot agree, they jointly appoint a third expert whose assessment is binding. Do this before you accept a settlement proposal, because after that the assessment stands.
May I keep driving a written-off car?
Not without more. A vehicle written off economically or technically is given a status marker in the vehicle register, usually 'awaiting inspection'. You may only drive on public roads once the repair has been carried out and the vehicle has passed a fresh inspection. That registration remains visible on resale and has a lasting effect on the value.
Is the claim paid including the excess?
No, the excess is deducted from the settlement, including on a total loss. If you keep the damaged vehicle yourself, the salvage value comes off as well. If the damage was caused by a liable other party and is recovered in full from their third-party insurer, you will get the excess deducted back that way after all.
Finass Verzekert is a trading name of Finass Advies B.V. We advise on and arrange non-life insurance on the basis of an objective analysis of several insurers, and receive commission for this from the insurer, which is included in the premium. You pay no separate advice fee. Before you take out cover, we establish your wishes and needs.
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