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.
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. For the full breakdown and a buy/walk-away decision guide, see our Cat S & Cat N explainer.
Category A — Scrap
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
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
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
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?
What are the write-off categories (Cat A, B, S, N)?
Can I buy a Cat N or Cat S car?
Is it safe to buy a written-off car?
Do I have to declare a write-off when selling?
Will insurance be more expensive on a written-off car?
How can I check if a car has been written off for free?
What is the difference between the old and new write-off categories?
More checks before you buy
Run all of these on any UK car before you pay a deposit — every one is free to start.
Full Car Check
MOT, mileage, tax and spec by reg — the free starting point.
MOT History Check
Every test, advisory and failure on the DVSA record — free.
Mileage / Clocking Check
Spots odometer rollbacks and implausible jumps across MOTs.
MOT Failure History
Pass-rate and recurring-failure patterns from MOT history.
Outstanding Finance
Why unpaid finance can cost you the car — and how to verify.
Stolen Car Check
The warning signs of a stolen vehicle before you pay a deposit.
Cat S / Cat N Check
Insurance write-off categories explained — is it worth buying?
HPI Check Alternative
What each check covers and costs — an honest price comparison.
Car Tax Check
Tax status, due date and SORN by registration — free.
Insurance Group Check
The 1–50 insurance group for any model — what it will cost to cover.
Is My Car Insured?
How to confirm a car's insurance status before you drive it away.
Car Tax Calculator
Estimate the annual VED road tax for any car by reg or spec.
Car Valuation
What a used car is really worth before you negotiate.
Used Car Buying Checklist
The full step-by-step checklist before you buy a used car.
Buying a Cat S / Cat N Car
Is a write-off worth it? The honest costs, risks and decision rule.
Check Finance Before Buying
Why there's no free finance check — and how to verify before you pay.
What Does HPI Clear Mean?
Why an 'HPI clear' result does NOT mean accident-free.
How to Spot a Clocked Car
The tell-tale signs of mileage fraud before you buy.
What Is a Cat S Car?
Category S write-off meaning — structural damage, explained.
What Is a Cat N Car?
Category N write-off meaning — and why 'non-structural' isn't 'minor'.
What we check — and where it comes from
| Check | What it tells you | Source |
|---|---|---|
| MOT history & mileage | Every test, advisory, failure and odometer reading since 2005 — plus our clocking analysis the DVSA listing doesn't do. | DVSA MOT API (official) |
| Tax & MOT status, CO2, ULEZ | Current tax and MOT validity, emissions band and ULEZ position. | DVLA Vehicle Enquiry Service |
| Outstanding finance | Coming soon — not yet offered, and not something we charge for today. | |
| Stolen / write-off / keeper history | Coming soon — not yet offered, and not something we charge for today. | |
We're honest about our limits.
The MOT & mileage data here is the same data you can get free at gov.uk — we add the analysis and the clocking flags. We don't claim a guarantee we can't back, we don't hide our data sources, and we don't use fake countdown timers. If a check isn't live above, we don't have it yet — and we won't pretend otherwise.
Start Your Check Now
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.