Buying a used car in the UK comes with plenty of choices and questions. One of the biggest ones people ask is, “Should I buy a Cat S car?” This category of cars is usually cheaper than regular used cars, but the buyer has a history to bear.
Is there something to consider before buying a “Cat S” or “Category S” car? How would you know if buying one is a smart move or not?. In this article, we’ll explain what a Cat S car means, the pros and cons of buying one, and what you need to check before handing over your cash.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- A Cat S car has suffered structural damage, and this makes it cheaper than a car with a clean history. However, it can still be driven again if repaired to standard.
- Two things are important before buying a Cat S car: one, ensure it has been inspected by a professional, and two, be aware of the history and repair records.
- When it comes to insuring a Cat S car, not all insurers will accept to cover it, and it’s usually costly if you find one.
Cat S Car Meaning: What Is a Cat S Car?
Cat S cars refer to vehicles that have been classed as Category S by an insurance company. The “S” stands for structural damage and might include damage to the chassis or frame of the car. This can make the car very unsafe if not repaired properly.
When a car is involved in an accident, the insurance company will decide if the car is worth fixing. If it would cost too much to repair, or there are other safety concerns, they declare it a write-off (Category S).
Insurance Write-Off Categories
There are four categories of write-offs, which include:
- Category A: Must be scrapped completely.
- Category B: Can have parts removed, but the shell must be crushed.
- Category S: Can be repaired, but has had structural damage.
- Category N: Non-structural damage only (e.g., cosmetic or electrical).
So, the Category S car meaning is clear: it had damage that affected the structure, but it was not so bad that it couldn’t be repaired.
READ ALSO: A Detailed Guide on Insurance Write-Off Categories
Why Are Cat S Cars Cheaper?
Cat S cars are almost always sold for less than similar cars without an accident history. Why? Because they’ve been written off and carry a label that sticks with them forever. Even if the car is repaired to a high standard, that Cat S status remains on record.
For many buyers, this is a red flag. It suggests the car has a past and may have hidden problems. That said, it also makes Cat S cars attractive to bargain hunters and those who understand car repairs.
Should I Buy a Repaired Cat S Car?
To buy a Cat S car, you should be able to answer a few questions to guarantee you’re not buying to later regret. Here are some good questions to ask:
1. Who did the repair?
Was the repair done by a professional mechanic or a DIY mechanic? Ask for receipts and a breakdown of the work completed. Reputable repairs are usually worth more and safer to drive.
2. Is there proof of the repair?
Always ask to see before and after photos. If possible, get a mechanic to check the car independently.
3. Is the car inspected?
A Cat S car must be re-registered with the DVLA before it goes back on the road, but there’s no rule saying they must be checked for repair standard. That’s up to you as the buyer.
If you’ve verified that the repairs were done properly, and you plan to save some money compared to a non-Cat S car, it might be worth it. If you’re not 100% sure, walk away for your peace of mind.
Is It Safe to Drive a Cat S Car?
A Cat S car can be perfectly safe, but only if it’s been fixed properly. Structural damage can affect how the car behaves in an accident. For example, crumple zones or airbag sensors might not work the way they should if things weren’t fixed correctly.
Never just take the seller’s word for it. Safety should always come first. That’s why it’s vital to:
- Have the car inspected by a qualified mechanic.
- Ask for repair documents or insurance assessments.
- Check the MOT history for any warnings or advisories.
Cat S Insurance: Can I Get Insurance for a Cat S Car?
Another thing to consider is Cat S insurance. Insuring a Cat S car isn’t impossible, but it may be harder and more expensive. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Some insurers won’t touch Cat S cars at all.
- Others may charge higher premiums due to the history.
- You’ll need to declare the Cat S status when applying for insurance.
- A repair certificate or full inspection can help reduce your quote.
READ ALSO: If My Car Is Written Off, What Happens to My Insurance Policy?
How to Re-register A Cat S Car with the DVLA
When a car is written off with Category S, you need to re-register it with the DVLA. A Cat S can still be driven again after successful repairs.
Below are the steps to follow to re-register a Cat S car:
- Get the DVLA informed about the car’s write-off status and category.
- Ensure the repairs are done by a professional to an acceptable level.
- Forward the complete V5 logbook to the insurance company.
- Apply for a duplicate logbook by completing a V62 form.
- You will receive a new logbook after the DVLA has updated your vehicle registration to show the write-off category.
Pros and Cons of Buying a Cat S Car
To help you decide, let’s lay out the good and bad sides.
Pros:
- Lower price than similar cars with no write-off status
- May allow you to afford a newer model or better spec.
- Potential for profit if you’re in the motor trade or do repairs yourself
Cons:
- Harder to insure (and sometimes more expensive)
- Lower resale value – some buyers avoid Cat S cars completely
- Potential safety issues if repairs weren’t done properly
- May be harder to finance – lenders may decline or offer worse terms
So, should you buy a Cat S car? It comes down to your personal situation. If you’re looking for a cheap runaround and know what you’re doing, it might be a good deal. If you’re unsure, or it’s your first car, probably not.
Tips for Buying a Cat S Car Safely
If you’ve decided to go ahead and consider a Cat S vehicle, here are some solid tips to protect yourself:
1. Get a full vehicle history check
Services like Smart Car Check write-off check tool can show you if the car has been written off, stolen, clocked, or has any outstanding finance.
2. Ask for detailed repair records
Don’t accept vague answers. Ask for invoices, images, and repair summaries.
3. Use a trusted garage or independent inspector
Get the car checked before buying. A £100 inspection could save you thousands.
4. Check the DVLA status
Make sure the car is legally allowed on the road and registered properly.
5. Review the MOT and service history
See if the car has had regular care or if issues have been ignored.
Alternatives to Buying a Cat S Car
If you’re not sure whether to go through with it, here are some alternatives:
1. Look for Cat N Cars
Cat N cars have non-structural damage and are seen as safer than Cat S. They can still be a bargain but carry less risk.
2. Buy high-mileage, clean-history cars
Some people sell well-maintained cars that have simply done a lot of miles. These can be better value and less risky.
3. Consider manufacturer-approved used schemes
They cost more but often include warranties, inspections, and peace of mind.
4. Lease or finance a newer car
If you’re not a cash buyer, you might find a good deal through finance for a non-written-off car. Many lenders won’t deal with Cat S cars anyway.
Final Thoughts
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer for the question: Should I buy a Cat S car? It depends on your knowledge, confidence, and what you need from the car.
If you know the car has been repaired properly and have seen proof of those repairs, then a Cat S car might be a solid option. However, if you’re new to cars, plan to sell it later for profit, and need a car with no hidden issues, then it’s probably best to avoid it.
Either way, always do your research. Don’t rush. A cheaper price might look tempting now, but a poor decision can cost you far more later. If you’re set on buying a Cat S car, make sure you check its history with our VIN Check tool report before deciding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a category S car worth buying?
If you want to save costs, you might want to consider a Cat S car. Although this comes with some risks, a Cat S that has been repaired to a standard level can turn out to be a great deal.
How bad is Category S?
Cat S on a car means the car has suffered structural damage, like a twisted chassis or a crumple zone ruined in a collision. This is more serious that just a scratch, and the car must be repaired by a professional to guarantee its safety and roadworthiness.
By how much is a Cat S car devalued?
Cat S cars can be devalued by 20-50%, depending on the severity of the damage done and the repairs. The Cat S write-off drastically lowers the car value compared to a similar model.
Is Cat N better than Cat S?
Yes. Cat N means non-structural, while Cat S means structural damage, more severe than the former. This is why a Cat S car must pass a new MOT test to be allowed to be driven again.
