Car Write Off Check
Instantly check if a vehicle is recorded as Cat S, Cat N, Cat A or Cat B
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Check if a car has been written off before you buy
A car write off check helps you find out whether a vehicle has been declared a total loss by an insurance company. Thousands of vehicles across the UK are recorded as insurance write offs every year, with many later repaired and returned to the road. While some repairs are completed professionally, others may hide serious structural or safety issues.
Running a write off check before buying a used car gives you peace of mind and helps you avoid hidden risks. Our vehicle write off check searches trusted UK insurance and DVLA linked databases to reveal whether a vehicle has been recorded as Cat A, Cat B, Cat S or Cat N.
A write off history can affect:
- Vehicle safety
- Insurance premiums
- Future resale value
- Finance approval
- Manufacturer warranty eligibility
If you are buying privately, a seller may not always disclose previous damage or insurance history. A write off check helps you understand exactly what you are buying before making payment.
What is an insurance write off?
An insurance write off is a vehicle that an insurer has declared uneconomical or unsafe to repair after damage caused by an accident, flood, fire or theft recovery.
When repair costs exceed a percentage of the vehicle's market value, insurers may classify the vehicle as a total loss and assign a salvage category.
Our write off check can reveal:
- Insurance write off category
- MIAFTR records
- Loss date
- Salvage status
- Outstanding finance
- Stolen vehicle records
- Mileage discrepancies
- DVLA vehicle data
Insurance write off categories explained
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) introduced the current write off categories to help buyers understand the severity of vehicle damage.
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Category A - Scrap
The vehicle is severely damaged and must be completely crushed. No parts can legally be reused. -
Category B - Break
The body shell must be crushed, but some approved parts may be removed and reused. -
Category S - Structural damage
The vehicle suffered structural damage affecting the chassis or frame. It can be repaired and returned to the road if repaired correctly. -
Category N - Non structural damage
The vehicle suffered non structural damage such as electrical, suspension, cosmetic or braking issues. The car can be repaired and driven again.
What's included in our write off check?
Our comprehensive vehicle check includes:
- Insurance write off records
- Cat A, B, S and N status
- MIAFTR entry date
- Loss type and loss date
- Outstanding finance check
- Stolen vehicle check
- Mileage history
- MOT history
- DVLA registration data
Should you buy a written off car?
A Cat S or Cat N vehicle can sometimes offer good value if repaired professionally, but buyers should always proceed carefully.
Before buying:
- Inspect the vehicle thoroughly
- Request repair invoices and photos
- Check MOT and mileage history
- Consider an independent inspection
- Compare insurance costs before purchase
Category A and Category B vehicles should never return to the road and are not suitable for purchase as road vehicles.
Does a write off stay on the vehicle record?
Yes. Once a vehicle has been recorded as written off, the marker usually remains on the vehicle history permanently, even after repairs are completed.
This can impact vehicle value, insurance costs, future resale, and buyer confidence. That is why checking write off history before buying a used car is essential.
Car Write Off Check FAQs
When your car is declared a write-off, your insurance policy will be terminated. Depending on the terms and conditions of your contract, you may retain specific claim rights. However, you must continue paying monthly premiums until the contract's end. This holds true for Cat A vehicles.
For Cat B, Cat S, and Cat N vehicles, you can negotiate with your insurance company to repurchase the car. In the cases of S and N, you are responsible for all necessary repairs. After completing the repairs, you must apply for a new insurance policy. Be prepared for a potentially higher premium this time, as various factors will influence it.
Cat S (Structural):
- Formerly Category C, indicates structural damage.
- This involves the core framework or chassis.
- Repairs often require extensive work by professionals.
Cat N (Non-Structural):
- Formerly Category D, it signifies non-structural damage.
- Typically cosmetic or limited to electrical and safety-related components.
- The vehicle is repairable, and once fixed, it can be deemed roadworthy.
A write-off can be indicated on the V5 registration document, commonly known as the logbook. When an insurance company declares a car as a write-off, they must notify the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency).