Car insurers desperate to protect their profits are using a number of crafty tactics to escape paying out the full value of a car when it is written off.

According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), insurance companies must offer drivers a 'proper' payout.

This means that motorists must be offered a sum that will allow them to buy a comparable car in their area - the only deduction should be any excess on the policy.

Some of the tricks allegedly being employed by insurers in order to limit payouts include: proposing a near value offer in the hope they will settle quickly; sending cheques out hoping people will think it is non-negotiable; and lending courtesy cars, which in most cases are taken away if the policyholder does not swiftly agree a settlement figure.

Jonathan Lelliot was offered around £2,000 less by the Norwich Union (NU) than he believes his car was worth.

He told the Daily Mail newspaper: "NU is being very difficult. I'm not trying to get more than I think the car is worth.

"I just want a fair payout."

Anecdotal evidence suggests he may have a long wait.

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