Check the Write-Off Category of a Car
When an insurer writes off a UK vehicle, it is assigned a category. Here is what each category means, which vehicles can return to the road, and how to check whether any car has been written off.
The Four Write-Off Categories
Category A — Scrap Only
The vehicle must be crushed in its entirety. No parts may be salvaged. This applies to severely damaged or unsafe vehicles where even components are considered hazardous.
Category B — Body Shell Scrapped
The body shell must be crushed and cannot be used as the basis for a rebuilt vehicle. Mechanical parts and components may be salvaged and sold separately.
Category S — Structural Damage (Road Returnable)
The vehicle sustained structural damage (chassis, crumple zone, suspension mounts, etc.) but can be professionally repaired and returned to the road. Must be declared to the DVLA and insurer. Replaces the old Category C.
Category N — Non-Structural Damage (Road Returnable)
The vehicle sustained non-structural damage (glass, trim, electrical, cosmetic) but is road-returnable after repair. Replaces the old Category D.
How to Check a Car's Write-Off Category
Write-off categories are recorded on the Experian AutoCheck database when an insurer declares a total loss. A full VEHIXA check queries this database and returns any write-off category recorded against the registration. Free DVLA and DVSA checks do not include write-off data.
Buying a Category S or N Vehicle
Category S and N vehicles are legally sold and driven on UK roads every day — but the history must be disclosed and the price should reflect it. Before buying:
- Request full documentation of the repair work
- For Cat S, commission an independent structural inspection
- Confirm the vehicle has a current valid MOT
- Get insurance quotes before committing — some insurers charge significantly more
- Negotiate a price reduction of at least 20% vs a clean equivalent
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the write-off categories in the UK?
From October 2017, UK insurers use four categories: Category A (scrap only — must be crushed entirely), Category B (body shell must be crushed but salvageable parts allowed), Category S (structural damage — can be repaired and returned to road), and Category N (non-structural damage — can be repaired and returned to road). The old C and D categories were replaced by S and N.
Can I drive a Category S car?
Yes. A Category S vehicle can be repaired and returned to the road legally. It must be re-registered with the DVLA after significant structural repairs. When buying a Cat S car, verify that the structural repairs were carried out professionally, that the vehicle has a current MOT, and that the price reflects its write-off history.
Does a write-off category affect insurance?
Yes. A write-off history (Category S or N) must be disclosed to your insurer. Some insurers will not cover previously written-off vehicles; others will insure them but at higher premiums. Failure to disclose write-off history can invalidate your insurance policy.
How do I find out if a car is a Category S or N?
Category S and N status is recorded on the Experian AutoCheck (and HPI) database when an insurer declares a vehicle a total loss. A full history check via VEHIXA will reveal any write-off category recorded against a UK vehicle registration.
Check write-off category on any UK vehicle
A full VEHIXA check reveals any write-off category recorded by UK insurers.
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