Salvage History Check - Is Your Car a Write-Off?

A salvage history check reveals whether a vehicle has ever been declared a total loss (write-off) by an insurance company. When an insurer decides the cost of repair exceeds the vehicle's value — or that the damage is too severe — they write the vehicle off and assign it an insurance category. This record is held by insurance databases. Our free MOT history check is an essential first step, and you can upgrade to a full vehicle history check that includes write-off and salvage category data.

UK insurance write-off categories were updated in 2017. Category S (structural) means the vehicle has sustained structural damage but can be repaired and returned to the road — it must be re-inspected by the DVLA before re-registration. Category N (non-structural) means the damage is non-structural (for example, airbag deployment or electrical damage) and the vehicle can be repaired and re-sold without DVLA re-inspection. The older Cat C and Cat D categories are equivalent to the new Cat S and Cat N respectively and still appear on pre-2017 write-off records.

A Category N write-off, properly repaired by a reputable bodyshop, can be entirely safe to drive. The non-structural damage — cosmetic panels, airbags, electrical systems — can be properly restored. Category S is more serious: structural damage must be correctly repaired and independently inspected before the car is returned to the road. What matters is the quality of the repair, not just the category. The problem is that many write-offs are repaired cheaply, without proper structural alignment or safety component replacement, making them dangerous even if they look presentable.

An MOT history check does not directly reveal write-off status, but it provides crucial context. A gap in MOT testing — a year or more where no test was carried out — can indicate a period off the road following a serious accident. A mileage reading that jumps up significantly after a gap, or advisory items focused on structural areas such as subframe condition or sill corrosion, can also hint at past accident damage. Our free MOT history check is a strong starting point before investing in a full write-off history report.

If a seller discloses write-off history, or if a full history check reveals it, you should: verify the category (N is less serious than S), ask for documentation of the repair work, have the car independently inspected by a qualified mechanic or engineer, check for signs of poor repair quality (misaligned panels, overspray, inconsistent paint texture), ensure the selling price reflects the write-off status, and confirm the car is properly re-registered if it was a Category S. Never pay full market value for a written-off vehicle without thoroughly understanding the repair quality.