When a car’s been in a serious accident, flood or fire, the insurer may decide it isn’t worth fixing and “write it off”. Plenty of written-off cars are later repaired and sold again, and some are absolutely fine to drive. But you deserve to know before you buy, and you should pay a price that reflects it. That’s what a write-off check is for.
The four write-off categories
Since October 2017, insurers in the UK have used four categories. They replaced the old Cat C and Cat D you might still see mentioned in older adverts.
| Category | What it means | Back on the road? |
|---|---|---|
| Cat A | Scrap. The whole car must be crushed, no parts can be reused. | Never |
| Cat B | Break. The body shell must be crushed, but some parts can be salvaged. | Never |
| Cat S | Structural damage, such as a bent chassis or crumple zone. Can be professionally repaired. | Yes, once repaired |
| Cat N | Non-structural damage, like cosmetic or electrical faults. Can be repaired. | Yes, once repaired |
Want the full lowdown? Read our guide: Cat S, Cat N, Cat A and Cat B explained.
Why it matters if a car’s been written off
- Value. Cat S and Cat N cars are usually worth noticeably less than an equivalent clean car. If you’re not told, you could be overpaying.
- Insurance. You must tell your insurer. Some charge more, and a few won’t cover write-offs at all.
- Safety. A good repair is fine. A bodged one can be dangerous, especially after structural damage.
- Resale. The write-off marker stays with the car for life, so it’ll affect what you can sell it for too.
What our write-off check shows
- Whether the car has an insurance write-off recorded against it
- The category (A, B, S or N, or the older C and D)
- The date of the loss, where available
It can be a great way to save money. Just ask for evidence of the repairs, get the car independently inspected, and check what your insurer will charge before you commit.
Write-off check questions
Can a write-off marker be removed?
No. Once an insurer records a car as a write-off, that marker stays with the car for life, even after it has been repaired.
Do I have to tell my insurer if a car is a write-off?
Yes. You must declare it when you get a quote. Not telling them could mean a claim is refused.
Is a Cat N car safe to drive?
Cat N means the damage wasn't structural, so a properly repaired Cat N car is usually fine. As with any used car, ask for evidence of the repairs and consider an independent inspection.
New to vehicle checks? Start with our guide: What is an HPI check?
