How to Check a Car's Accident History
Accident damage that has been poorly repaired can make a car structurally unsafe — and sellers are not always forthcoming about it. Here is how to check what is in the record and what physical signs to look for.
What a History Check Reveals
The main database-based way to check accident history is to look for insurance write-off categorisation. When an insurer decides a damaged vehicle is uneconomical to repair (or has been stolen and not recovered), they log a write-off category against the registration:
- Category A — crush only. The vehicle must be crushed and cannot be used for any purpose. Completely illegal to drive.
- Category B — body shell must be crushed, but other parts can be salvaged. Still should never be on the road.
- Category S (formerly Cat C) — structural damage. Can be repaired and returned to road use after a satisfactory inspection. Write-off marker remains permanently.
- Category N (formerly Cat D) — non-structural damage. Can be repaired more straightforwardly. Still reduces value and must be declared.
Any of these markers must be declared by the seller. A history check will reveal them if the insurer logged the claim. However, accidents not reported to an insurer will not appear.
What a History Check Cannot Show
A significant proportion of accident repairs never reach the insurance database. Cash repairs, private settlements, and incidents on private land leave no data trail. For these, physical inspection is your only tool.
Physical Signs of Accident Damage
When viewing a used car, inspect for these tell-tale signs of accident repair:
- Uneven panel gaps — doors, bonnet, or boot that do not line up evenly
- Paint shade inconsistency — slightly different colour between panels in different lighting conditions
- Paint overspray on rubber door seals, chrome trims, or plastic surrounds — a sign the panel was resprayed in situ
- Body filler — run a strong magnet across panels; it deflects noticeably over filler
- Misaligned headlights, taillights, or grille — structural repairs often leave these slightly out of position
- New bolts or underbody coating on otherwise original areas — suggests subframe or floor replacement
When to Walk Away
If a vehicle history check reveals a Cat A or Cat B write-off, do not proceed. These vehicles are illegal to drive. A Cat S car needs careful evaluation — independent inspection by an engineer or body shop is advisable before committing. Any seller who denies prior accident damage when the history check clearly shows otherwise is misrepresenting the vehicle, which gives you legal grounds to cancel the sale.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check if a car has been in an accident?
Run a full vehicle history check to see if the car has been categorised as an insurance write-off (Cat S, Cat N, A, or B). A write-off is confirmed accident damage. Beyond that, MOT records showing structural items as failures can indicate prior accident damage. A physical inspection by an independent mechanic is advisable.
Does a car history check show all accidents?
No. A history check shows accidents that were reported to an insurer and resulted in a write-off categorisation. Minor repairs paid cash-in-hand, accidents on private land, or incidents the owner chose not to claim on insurance will not appear in any database.
What does Cat S mean on a vehicle history?
Cat S (Category S) means the insurer categorised the car as a structural write-off — damage affected the structural integrity of the vehicle. It can be repaired and returned to the road after a satisfactory inspection, but the write-off marker remains on the record permanently and reduces value.
What physical signs suggest prior accident damage?
Uneven panel gaps, inconsistent paint shades between panels, paint overspray on rubber seals, and misaligned headlights or bodywork all suggest accident repair. A strong magnet on body panels will deflect less over body filler than over bare metal.
Should I buy a car with accident history?
It depends on the extent of the damage and quality of the repair. A minor accident repair done to a high standard may be acceptable at the right price. A Cat S car must be properly repaired and inspected before use. A Cat A or Cat B car should never be on the road and is illegal to drive.
Check for accident and write-off history
Run a full VEHIXA check to see insurance write-off categories, stolen markers, outstanding finance, and full MOT history — before you buy.
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