The cheapest way to check if a car has ever been written off. Covers every category (Cat A, B, S, N, plus legacy Cat C and D) and ranks every UK provider by price and data depth.
Full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs. No signup needed.
| Category | Active dates | Road legal? | Typical damage | Resale discount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cat A | All | No (scrap only) | Irreparable | N/A |
| Cat B | All | No (body destroyed) | Severe | N/A (parts only) |
| Cat S | Oct 2017+ | Yes after repair | Structural | 30-50% |
| Cat N | Oct 2017+ | Yes after repair | Non-structural | 20-40% |
| Cat C (legacy) | Pre-Oct 2017 | Yes after repair | Repair > value | 25-50% |
| Cat D (legacy) | Pre-Oct 2017 | Yes after repair | Repair + costs > value | 15-35% |
Key takeaway: The cheapest UK write-off check is CarCostCheck premium at £4.99. It covers all six categories (Cat A, B, S, N, plus legacy Cat C and Cat D), sources the data from the same insurance industry databases as HPI (£19.99) and AA (£14.99), and includes stolen, finance, keeper, VIN, and colour change data in the same report.
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An insurer writes off a car when the cost to repair it exceeds its value. The insurer then records the write-off in MIAFTR (the Motor Insurance Anti-Fraud and Theft Register) and CUE (Claims and Underwriting Exchange). Both are private databases run by the insurance industry. A write-off check queries these databases and tells you whether a car has ever been recorded as a total loss, and under which category.
This matters because a write-off record is permanent. A car written off in 2012 will still show the marker in 2026. It affects the car's insurance cost, its resale value, and its loan eligibility for the rest of its life.
Cat C and Cat D were retired for new write-offs in October 2017 and replaced by Cat S and Cat N. Any car written off before that date still carries the legacy category permanently.
Enter any reg below for a free MOT history, mileage check, and running costs. Takes 5 seconds, no signup.
Data from DVSA and DVLA. Used by thousands of UK car buyers.
| Service | Price | Covers all 6 categories? | Extras |
|---|---|---|---|
| CarCostCheck premium | £4.99 | ✓ | Stolen, finance, VIN, keepers, colour, full MOT analysis, running costs |
| AA car check | £14.99 | ✓ | Stolen, finance, VIN, keepers |
| RAC car passport | £14.99 | ✓ | Stolen, finance, VIN, keepers |
| HPI Check | £19.99 | ✓ | Stolen, finance, VIN, keepers (+ auto-subscription) |
| CarVertical | £33.99 | ✓ (partial UK coverage) | US-focused data |
| "Free" HPI check sites | Free | ✗ | Basic DVLA data only, no write-off data |
CarCostCheck is the cheapest by a factor of three. It is also the only option that includes MOT analysis, repair cost estimates, and running cost projections alongside the write-off check.
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Some websites advertise a "free HPI check" and claim to cover write-off data. They do not. The underlying MIAFTR and CUE databases are private. Querying them costs money per lookup. No legitimate service can offer this data for free. What those sites usually provide is the free DVLA data (make, model, tax, MOT), dressed up to look like a full history check. Do not rely on them before spending thousands on a used car.
Even without paying, the free CarCostCheck report often reveals fingerprints of a written-off car:
If you see any of these, spending the £4.99 on the premium check before visiting the car is a no-brainer.
CarCostCheck premium at £4.99. Covers all six categories, 75% cheaper than HPI.
No. The underlying data is in private insurance databases. Any "free" claim is misleading.
Not legally, but it is highly recommended. A non-structural category can still hide poor repairs. Independent inspection is £150-£250 and worth it.
Yes. Expect a premium uplift of 5-20% for Cat D/N, 15-40% for Cat C/S, and many insurers will refuse Cat C/S entirely.
Ready to Check a Car?
12 checks included. Free MOT analysis, mileage verification, running costs, and more. Premium stolen, finance, and write-off checks for just £4.99.
Related reading: Cheapest HPI Check UK | Cat N Explained | Cat S Explained | Is It Safe to Buy a Write-Off?
Enter any reg plate for a free MOT history, mileage check, health score, and running costs. No signup needed.
Used by thousands of UK car buyers. Data from DVSA and DVLA.
Example report preview
2019 Ford Fiesta
1.0 EcoBoost, Petrol, Manual
82
Grade A
£2,450
per year
Pass
MOT status
42k
Mileage
This is what you'll see. Try it with YOUR car:
12 free checks included. Premium history from £4.99. Valuation from £2.99.