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Learn about car write-off categories, how to check if a second-hand car was written off, and whether insuring a previously written-off car costs more.
There are two broad circumstances in which understanding car insurance write-off categories is essential – you’ve been involved in an accident, or you’re looking to buy a used car. In this article, we’ll explain how vehicles that are written off by insurers are classified into specific categories based on the severity of the damage and their potential for reuse or repair.
There are four primary categories – Cat A, Cat B, Cat S and Cat N – and understanding what they mean can make it much easier to see how they can impact your buying, selling or owning a vehicle.
A car is written off when an insurance company decides that it is either unsafe to repair due to extensive damage (known as Cat A or Cat B), or that it’s uneconomical to repair because the costs would exceed the vehicle’s market value (Cat S and Cat N).
Insurers will factor in repair costs, storage fees and admin expenses when deciding whether a car is a write off, and each category has particular implications for the car’s repairability, roadworthiness and resale potential.
Category A (Cat A): Cars classified as Cat A have sustained severe damage and are beyond repair. The whole car, including any salvageable parts, must be destroyed – it can’t be repaired, resold or used for parts. These cars have typically been in severe accidents, been burned out, or have catastrophic structural damage.
Category B (Cat B): Category B cars are also beyond repair, but unlike Cat A cars, some parts can be salvaged and reused. The car’s shell must be crushed, but components like the engine or gearbox can be removed and sold. Cat B cars have generally sustained major structural damage, but some parts remain functional.
Category S (Cat S): Cat S cars (known as Cat C cars until 2017) have sustained structural damage but can be repaired and made roadworthy again. Once repaired, Cat S cars must be re-registered with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) by law, and the V5C logbook will be updated to indicate its Cat S status. Generally, Cat S cars will have sustained chassis damage, crumple-zone deformation or other kinds of significant impacts that affect the car’s structural frame. While a Cat S can return to the road if it’s been repaired professionally, its write-off status could reduce its resale value, and increase its insurance premium, too.
Category N (Cat N): Cat N cars (known until 2017 as Cat D cars) have non-structural damage such as cosmetic problems or issues with internal components, such as the electrics or brakes. They can be repaired and driven without needing DVLA re-registration, although repairs should be thorough to ensure safety. Cat N cars are often cheaper to buy and repair, but may have reduced market value and higher insurance costs.
If you’re in the market for a used car, it’s crucial to know whether the car you’re looking at has been written off.
Ask the seller: A trustworthy seller should disclose the car’s write-off status and be able to provide repair records, if applicable. For Cat S cars, make sure the DVLA re-registration process has been completed.
Use the DVLA History Check: On the DVLA website you’ll find a history check service that will reveal a car’s write-off status. Or you can look in the car’s V5C logbook.
Get a comprehensive vehicle report: Paid services like HPI Check or Auto Trader’s car history check will give you detailed information on the car you’re looking at, including past write-offs as well as any mileage discrepancies or outstanding finance. Some will even give you photos of the car’s damage before it was repaired.
Yes, it can be more expensive to insure a car that’s been written off, because of the increased perceived risk by insurance companies. Many will look at a car that has been repaired as a higher risk because they can’t guarantee the repair quality, and because cars with a write-off history generally have lower market value, this can affect the claim payout. Some insurance providers will refuse to cover Cat S or Cat N cars at all, while others charge higher premiums.
Cat S cars are particularly affected because of their history of structural damage. Things are unlikely to be as bad for Cat N cars, but the premiums can still be higher than for non-written-off cars.
Pros:
Cons
Understanding the different factors that go into writing off a car can help you make informed decisions when buying or insuring one. While Cat A and Cat B cars are off-limits for road use, Cat S and Cat N cars can offer potential for savings and restoration if they’re carefully approached.
Always verify the car’s history, check the quality of repairs and consider future costs to ensure a write-off car fits your needs and budget. Follow the advice above and you could potentially find a great deal on your next car.
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