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Insurance Write-Off Check

Write-Off Check — Cat N & Cat S, Before You Buy

Worried a car has been written off and repaired? Learn what Cat A, B, S and N mean and what to check before you buy. Start with a reg lookup for the MOT history and DVLA basics. For the licensed salvage and write-off data itself, use an HPI-style provider such as Total Car Check or HPI.

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Free basic check first. For the licensed write-off data, use an HPI-style provider such as Total Car Check or HPI.

Understanding Write-Off Categories

Since October 2017, insurance write-offs in the UK are classified into four categories based on the type and severity of damage.

Category A — Scrap

Cannot return to road

The vehicle is so severely damaged that it must be crushed in its entirety. No parts may be salvaged. These are typically vehicles involved in catastrophic accidents or fires.

Examples: Severe fire damage, catastrophic structural collapse, hazardous material contamination

Category B — Break

Cannot return to road

The body shell must be destroyed, but undamaged parts can be stripped and sold for reuse. The vehicle itself can never return to the road.

Examples: Severe structural damage where the body is uneconomical to repair, but engine, gearbox, and other parts are salvageable

Category S — Structural

Can return to road

The vehicle has sustained structural damage (chassis, frame, crumple zones) but can be professionally repaired. Must be re-inspected by the DVLA before returning to the road.

Examples: Bent chassis rail, damaged crumple zone, subframe damage, structural pillar damage

Category N — Non-Structural

Can return to road

The vehicle has non-structural damage only (cosmetic, electrical, or mechanical). Can be repaired and returned to the road without DVLA re-inspection.

Examples: Bumper damage, panel dents, electrical faults, engine or gearbox issues, airbag deployment, theft damage

Why Check for Write-Offs Before Buying?

Around 400,000 vehicles are written off in the UK each year. Many are repaired and re-sold — sometimes without the buyer knowing.

Protect Your Investment

Written-off vehicles lose 20–40% of their value compared to clean equivalents. Knowing the history prevents you from overpaying.

Safety Assurance

Cat S vehicles have had structural damage. Poor repairs can compromise crash safety. A write-off check reveals the history so you can make an informed decision.

Insurance Implications

Some insurers refuse to cover Cat S/N vehicles. Others charge higher premiums. Check write-off status before buying to avoid insurance surprises.

Resale Value

Write-off history is permanent and visible to future buyers. A vehicle with write-off history will always be worth less when you come to sell it.

Avoid Fraud

Unscrupulous sellers may fail to disclose write-off history. A quick check before purchase protects you from fraud and gives you negotiating power.

Full Transparency

Start with the free MOT and DVLA basics, then run a licensed HPI-style provider (Total Car Check, HPI) for the write-off record before you commit to a written-off car.

Buying a Cat N or Cat S Car? What to Check

Written-off vehicles can offer good value if you know what to look for. Follow this checklist to protect yourself.

Get a full vehicle history check (write-off, finance, stolen, mileage)

Ask the seller for documented evidence of all repairs carried out

Have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase

Check the V5C logbook matches the seller’s details and the vehicle

For Cat S: verify the vehicle has been re-inspected and re-registered with DVLA

Get insurance quotes before committing — some insurers won’t cover write-offs

Compare the asking price against clean equivalents — expect 20–40% discount

Check MOT history for advisories that might relate to previous damage

Look for signs of poor repair: mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps, overspray

Test drive extensively — check for pulling, vibrations, or unusual noises

Write-Off Check FAQ

Common questions about vehicle write-offs and our free check service.

What is a write-off check?
A write-off check searches official insurance and DVLA records to determine whether a vehicle has been declared a total loss (written off) by an insurance company. When a vehicle is written off, it is assigned a category (Cat A, B, S, or N) depending on the severity of the damage. This information is recorded permanently and can be checked by anyone using the vehicle’s registration number.
What are the write-off categories (Cat A, B, S, N)?
Category A (Scrap) means the entire vehicle must be crushed and cannot return to the road. Category B (Break) means the body shell must be crushed but parts can be salvaged. Category S (Structural) means the vehicle has structural damage but can be repaired and returned to the road after professional repair and re-inspection. Category N (Non-structural) means the vehicle has non-structural damage (cosmetic, electrical, or mechanical) and can be repaired and returned to the road.
Can I buy a Cat N or Cat S car?
Yes, Cat N and Cat S vehicles can be legally purchased, repaired, and driven on UK roads. However, Cat S vehicles must be re-inspected by the DVLA before being re-registered for road use. Cat N vehicles do not require re-inspection. While these vehicles are often significantly cheaper than non-written-off equivalents, they can be harder to insure and will have lower resale value. Always get a full vehicle check before purchasing.
Is it safe to buy a written-off car?
It depends on the category and quality of repairs. Cat N vehicles (non-structural damage only) are generally lower risk, especially if professionally repaired with documented evidence. Cat S vehicles carry more risk as the structural integrity has been compromised. You should always: get an independent inspection before buying, check that all repairs are documented, verify the vehicle has been properly re-registered with the DVLA, and get insurance quotes before committing to purchase.
Do I have to declare a write-off when selling?
Yes. Sellers are legally required to disclose that a vehicle has been written off. Failing to declare a write-off is considered fraud under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and the Fraud Act 2006. The write-off history is permanently recorded on the vehicle’s record and can be checked by potential buyers. Dealers who fail to disclose write-off history can face prosecution and penalties from Trading Standards.
Will insurance be more expensive on a written-off car?
Yes, typically. Many insurers charge higher premiums for Cat S and Cat N vehicles, and some insurers refuse to cover them at all. Cat S vehicles are generally more expensive to insure than Cat N because structural damage raises concerns about repair quality. Before buying a write-off, get insurance quotes from several providers. Specialist insurers who cover written-off vehicles may offer more competitive rates.
How can I check if a car has been written off for free?
Start by entering the registration number on our site for the free MOT history and DVLA basics — useful context, though it does not itself confirm write-off status. A full write-off check draws on insurance records such as the Motor Insurance Anti-Fraud and Theft Register (MIAFTR), which is licensed data we don't currently surface — for that, use an HPI-style provider such as Total Car Check or HPI.
What is the difference between the old and new write-off categories?
Before October 2017, the categories were A (scrap), B (break), C (repairable but repair cost exceeds value), and D (repairable and repair cost below value). After October 2017, the system changed to A (scrap), B (break), S (structural damage), and N (non-structural damage). The key change is that the new system focuses on the type of damage rather than the repair cost, giving buyers clearer information about what was actually wrong with the vehicle.

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Enter any UK registration for the free MOT history and DVLA basics. For the licensed write-off and salvage record, use an HPI-style provider such as Total Car Check or HPI.

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