@Patrick, to give some relative idea, November last year, I was car jacked in a 1500cc subaru impreza, the 2005 model, the car jackers made off with the head lights, side mirrors, rear view mirror, OEM radio, they took one rear light, broke the other, they also took the center grilles components. The car drove fine in that condition, infact, I drove it to several police stations as-was.

CIC wrote it off.

So, if my example is anything to go by, I am 99% they will write yours off, seeing as your damage is a lot more severe.

My broker told me that if the cost of repair is more than half the insured amount, they write it off.

I was also told that the salvage car industry is big business to the favour of the insurance company, so they tend to easily write off the car.

For airbag and chassis damage, I would also strongly suggest you just get another car.

On Sat, Feb 21, 2015 at 8:12 PM, Job Muriuki via skunkworks <skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke> wrote:

Hi Patrick, 

Pole sana for you situation. Let me try answering based on my experience.

I) Is there a specific formula that insurance co.s in Kenya  use to determine if the car is straight away a write off vis a viz repairable?

This depends on the kind of damage. If its a minor dent or broken light then they will repair but for deformed body or bent chassis then they will write off.
II) To what extent do air bags deployment determine which route this decision takes/are there any known reliable guys who can fix airbags in Kenya?

Airbag deployment means the interior is ripped off means they might just replace the dash board since its replaceable. It depends on the level of damage though. 
III) Do I want to keep the car considering that all airbags were fired and there could be considerable chasis frame damage? How advisable?

For a damaged chassis I would suggest getting a new car. 
IV) Lastly, I'd appreciate contacts of any good mechs/garages possible along Thika road as my insurance has given me that leeway to take the car to a garage of my choice. Any experiences?

I have dealt with Top quality auto  The repaired mine and I loved it. Am covered by Jubilee so check if they are in your insurance panel.

Regards,
Job Muriuki,

Skype: heviejob

On Sat, Feb 21, 2015 at 7:34 PM, Patrick Mathenge via skunkworks <skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke> wrote:

Hi all,
Last evening my wife had quite a severe car collision. She was checked and she's fine other than a few bruises. The car has since been towed to a police station, and is awaiting inspection on monday. I am however a bit anxious about a few issues.
I) Is there a specific formula that insurance co.s in Kenya  use to determine if the car is straight away a write off vis a viz repairable?
II) To what extent do air bags deployment determine which route this decision takes/are there any known reliable guys who can fix airbags in Kenya?
III) Do I want to keep the car considering that all airbags were fired and there could be considerable chasis frame damage? How advisable?
IV) Lastly, I'd appreciate contacts of any good mechs/garages possible along Thika road as my insurance has given me that leeway to take the car to a garage of my choice. Any experiences?

Regards,
Patrick
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