Vehicle check
Vehicle check

Car Write-Off Check

Check if a vehicle has been written off by an insurance company

What's included in our Write-Off Check?

Write-Off Status

Find out if the vehicle has ever been declared a write-off by an insurance company.

Write-Off Category

See the specific category (A, B, S, or N) if the car has been written off.

Damage Details

Get information about the type of damage that led to the write-off decision.

Insurance Claims

Check if there have been insurance claims made against the vehicle.

Repair Status

For repairable write-offs, see if repairs have been completed and documented.

Value Impact

Understand how write-off history affects the vehicle's market value.

What is a Vehicle Write-Off?

A vehicle is "written off" when an insurance company decides it's not economically viable to repair. This doesn't always mean the car is destroyed - it may be repairable but cost more than the car is worth.

Understanding Write-Off Categories

Since 2017, the UK uses these write-off categories:

  • Category A (Scrap) - The entire vehicle must be crushed. It cannot be repaired or broken for parts due to serious damage.
  • Category B (Break) - The body shell must be crushed, but some parts can be salvaged and reused.
  • Category S (Structural) - Structural damage but can be repaired. Must be re-inspected before returning to the road.
  • Category N (Non-Structural) - Non-structural damage like cosmetic, electrical, or braking issues. Can be repaired and returned to road.

Why Check for Write-Offs?

Checking for write-off history is essential when buying a used car:

  • Sellers may hide write-off history to get a better price
  • Written-off cars have lower resale values
  • Insurance can be harder or more expensive to obtain
  • Structural repairs may affect safety if done poorly

Buying a Repaired Write-Off

If you're considering buying a Cat S or Cat N vehicle:

  1. Get a professional inspection by an independent engineer
  2. Ask for all repair documentation and receipts
  3. Check the repairs were done by reputable garages
  4. Get insurance quotes before purchasing
  5. Expect to pay significantly less than market value

Frequently Asked Questions

A write-off is when an insurance company decides the cost to repair a damaged vehicle exceeds its value.

The insurer pays out the claim and takes ownership, or the car is returned with a write-off marker.

Cat A: Scrap only - cannot be repaired or used for parts. Cat B: Body shell must be crushed, parts can be salvaged.

Cat S: Structurally damaged but repairable. Cat N: Non-structural damage, repairable.

Cat S and Cat N vehicles can legally be repaired and returned to the road.

However, you should get them professionally inspected and expect a lower resale value.

Yes, insuring a previously written-off vehicle can be more expensive or difficult.

Some insurers won't cover Cat S or Cat N vehicles at all.

Car Write-Off Check - Insurance Category Check | VehicleScore