When you buy or sell a used car in the UK, it’s important to know if the car has ever been written off by an insurance company. Some cars may look fine, but were once damaged and repaired. These cars are given what’s called a category (Cat A, B, N and S).
Knowing a car’s category helps you understand how bad the damage was and if the car is safe to drive. It also affects the car’s price, insurance, and resale value. In this guide, we’ll explain what car categories mean, how to check them, and what to do before buying or selling a category car.
If you’re buying a car and are unsure about the car’s category, don’t worry, it’s easy to find out the write-off status and category instantly with a car write-off check online.
Key Takeaways
- Checking a car category is not free. You need to pay to use a reliable car category check tool to stay safe and avoid scams.
- Written-off vehicles can be cheaper but often have lower resale value.
- Always check if a car has a write-off category before buying, and if you’re selling, declare the write-off status to potential buyers.
How To Check If Your Car Has A Category
If your car has been in an accident or declared a write-off, this information is recorded by the DVLA and your insurance company. The easiest way to check car category is by registration number or VIN.
Here are other ways you can check:
Online Vehicle Check
The best way is to use a car category check tool. By entering the car’s registration number, you’ll see if the car has ever been written off and what category it falls under.
V5C Logbook
Sometimes, the car’s logbook shows if it has a category status.
Ask the Seller
If you trust the seller, you can always ask if the car has ever been written off to make an informed decision.
Can You Check If Your Car Has A Category Online?
Yes! You can easily check a car’s category online by entering the registration number (number plate) or the VIN number into a write-off check tool.
When you use an online car category check, you’ll get information such as:
- The car’s write-off category (A, B, S, or N)
- Date of the incident or insurance claim
- Whether it was repaired or scrapped
- The DVLA’s record of the car’s current status
Online car category check tools make it easy to enter your reg number, and in seconds, see if the car has been written off, stolen, scrapped, or still on the road. It’s one of the fastest ways to know your car’s real history.
The Different Types of Car Write-Off Categories
In the UK, when an insurance company declares a car a total loss (written off), it gives the car one of four categories: A, B, S, or N. These categories show the level of damage and whether the car can be repaired or not.
Category A – Scrap Only
This means the car is totally destroyed. It cannot be repaired or used again. Even the parts must be crushed or scrapped. An example is a car that caught fire and is beyond repair.
Category B – Parts Only
This means the car is too damaged to drive again, but some parts may still be safe to reuse or sell. The car’s body must be destroyed. For instance, a car that was badly crushed in an accident, but the engine or wheels may be used elsewhere.
Category S – Structural Damage
This car has suffered damage to its frame or structure (like the chassis), but it can be repaired safely. Once repaired, it can go back on the road after a full inspection. For instance, a car with damage to its suspension or crumple zone can be fixed by professionals.
Category N – Non-Structural Damage
This means the car had damage that didn’t affect the structure — maybe electrical issues, broken bumpers, or interior damage. After proper repair, it’s safe to drive. An example is a car with broken doors, airbags, or minor electrical faults.
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Category B write-off
When a vehicle has been issued a Cat B write-off, it means the vehicle has sustained serious damage to its chassis or body shell and other vehicle parts, but some parts can be salvaged and sold as parts to auto mechanics and other buyers in the market. Be aware that this doesn’t mean the vehicle is safe to drive on the road again. A Cat B write-off shows that a vehicle is not roadworthy and may only be sold for parts.
Category S write-off
A Cat S signifies that a vehicle has sustained structural damage, but, here’s the good part, it can be repaired and driven. This category, formerly referred to as Category C, is used to highlight a vehicle that could have damage to the frame or chassis of the car, bent or twisted frame rails, a damaged firewall or A-pillar, damage to the suspension components, a damaged or misaligned engine cradle, or any other structural damage.
Category N write-off
A Cat S signifies that a vehicle has sustained structural damage, but, here’s the good part, it can be repaired and driven. This category, formerly referred to as Category C, is used to highlight a vehicle that could have damage to the frame or chassis of the car, bent or twisted frame rails, a damaged firewall or A-pillar, damage to the suspension components, a damaged or misaligned engine cradle, or any other structural damage.
Should I purchase a Car with a Category or Written-Off Status?
Buying a car with a write-off category can be tempting because they are usually cheaper. But before you buy, it’s important to understand both the benefits and risks.
Benefits
- You can get a good car at a lower price.
- Some category S or N cars are perfectly fine after repairs.
- Repairs may have been done by professionals using genuine parts.
Risks
- The car’s resale value will always be lower.
- Some insurance companies may refuse to cover the car.
- There could be hidden damage not visible during inspection.
How Much is a Car’s Value affected by the Category?
A car’s category has a big impact on its value. Generally, a car that’s been written off will lose 20–40% of its market value, even if it’s been repaired.
Buyers tend to be cautious with category cars, so they often sell for less. However, some well-repaired Category N or S cars can still be great deals.
The car’s value depends on:
- The type of category (S or N cars hold more value than A or B).
- How well the repairs were done.
- The car’s mileage, age, and service record.
If you’re selling a category car, be honest about its history. Showing receipts, repair reports, and before-and-after photos can help build trust.
What does a Category Cars Selling Process look like?
No, a vehicle with a write-off category usually cannot get a standard warranty because it’s automatically voided. However, you can often buy a special warranty for Category S or N cars, and they’re still covered by basic consumer rights like the Sale of Goods Act.
- Category A or B: These are not eligible for warranty because they’re unsafe for road use.
- Category S or N: These may get a warranty if they pass an inspection and are repaired properly.
Always read the warranty terms carefully. You must tell the warranty provider that the car is a category car; hiding this can void your coverage.
Other Things to Consider Before Buying a Used Car
Buying a used car is more than just checking its insurance write-off status.. Here are a few more things to check for by getting the full car check report:
- Outstanding Finance: Make sure the car is not still under a finance plan.
- Stolen Records: Check if the car was ever reported stolen.
- Mileage Check: Confirm the mileage is genuine and not altered.
- MOT History: Look for past faults or advisories.
- Previous Keepers: see how many owners a vehicle has had
- Plate/colour change: Check for any number plate or colour changes, useful for spotting fraud or hidden history.
Are Category Cars Harder to Sell?
Yes, category cars can be harder to sell. Many buyers prefer cars with a clean history. Dealers may offer you less money, or you might need to wait longer for the right buyer.
However, you can make selling easier by being open about the car’s category status, and showing the car’s history report and inspection results.
Conclusion
Knowing a car’s category is a big part of being a smart car owner. It tells you if the car was ever damaged, how it was repaired, and if it’s safe to drive.
If you’re buying or selling, always take time to check the car’s category online. A few minutes can protect your wallet and keep you safe on the road.
So don’t make your next move without running a car category check. This helps you to be confident in the purchase and guarantee peace of mind down the road.
FAQ About How to Check Car Category in the UK
Which car category is legal to sell?
You can legally sell Category S and Category N cars, as they can be repaired and made roadworthy again. However, Category A and B cars are not legal to sell because they must be scrapped.
Does a car’s age affect whether it gets written off?
Yes. Older cars are more likely to be written off even for minor damage, as repair costs may exceed their market value (50 – 75%). Newer cars, however, are often repaired if the damage is not severe.
How do insurance companies decide a car’s write-off value?
Insurance companies compare the car’s market value with its repair cost. If the repair cost is too high, or the car isn’t safe to fix, they declare it a total loss and assign a category.
How to check car category for free with DVLA?
You can’t check a car’s write-off category for free with the DVLA. However, the GOV.UK site lets you view free details like tax, MOT, and SORN status. For a car write-off category records, use a paid car check service to get the detailed report, including the write-off status, category, theft, scrapped records, outstanding records, and more.
