What is a Category N car?

A car with non-structural damage that an insurer decided not to repair, often because the repair cost was high compared with the car's value. It can be repaired and driven legally.

What is a Category S car?

A car with structural damage, such as damage to the chassis or crumple zones. It can be repaired and returned to the road, but the repair needs to be done properly, so have it inspected before you buy.

Do I have to tell my insurer about a write-off?

Yes. Tell your insurer if the car has been written off, even if it has been repaired. Not doing so could affect a claim.

What were Category C and D?

They were the categories used before October 2017. Category C meant repair would cost more than the car was worth. Category D meant it could be repaired for less than its value, but the insurer chose to pay out instead.

Is a written-off car cheaper?

It should be. A write-off usually lowers a car's value, so use the report to negotiate, and remember it will be worth less when you sell. A car valuation, where available, gives you the clean-car figure to start from.

Write-Off Check: Cat A, B, S and N

Insurance write-off check

Find out whether a car has been written off by an insurer, and in which category. The write-off check is part of the full history check, from £4.49, and uses the insurance industry's write-off register.

Part of the full history check, £4.49, or £3.00 a check in a pack of 10.

What the categories mean

Since October 2017, insurers have used four categories. Category A: scrap entirely, never back on the road. Category B: the body must be crushed, though parts may be salvaged, and it can never go back on the road. Category S: structural damage, which can be repaired and returned to the road. Category N: non-structural damage, which can also be repaired and returned to the road.

Before October 2017 the categories were A, B, C and D, and you will still see C and D on older records. Under the old system, C and D were based on the cost of repair rather than the type of damage, so they tell you less. Our write-off categories guide explains the difference.

Can you buy a written-off car?

Category A and B cars must never return to the road. If one is for sale as a working car, walk away. Category S and N cars can be repaired and driven legally, and a well-repaired Category N car can be a sensible buy at the right price. The key words are well repaired and right price.

A written-off car should cost noticeably less than the same car with a clean history, it may be harder or more expensive to insure, and it will be worth less when you sell. A seller should always tell you about a write-off. If they have not, and the check finds one, ask why.

Tell your insurer about any write-off when you ask for a quote. Not declaring it could cause problems with a claim later.

What the report shows

If the car is on the register, the report shows the category, the date and the type of loss. It also adjusts the Vettly Score: 50 points off for Category A or B, 30 for S or the old C, and 15 for N or the old D. The date helps too: a write-off many years and several owners ago, followed by a clean MOT history, is a different prospect from one last year.

For a repaired car, ask for evidence of the repair: photos, invoices and who did the work. Have it inspected by someone independent before you buy, paying particular attention to structural repairs on a Category S car. Check panel gaps, paint finish and tyre wear for signs of poor work, and make sure the warning lights behave normally.

Part of the full history check

The write-off check is included in the full history check, which costs £4.49, or £3.00 a check in a pack of 10. It also covers outstanding finance, stolen and scrapped markers, keepers and plate changes. The free check covers MOT, tax and mileage, and the MOT history can hint at a past accident too: a long gap between tests, or a sudden change in the advisories.