Cat N + Cat S Write-Off FAQ: Every Answer in One Place
What Cat S, Cat N, Cat C and Cat D actually mean, whether you can legally drive one, insure one, finance one and sell one — plus how to check any reg plate against the same insurance industry database HPI uses, for £4.99.
Same MIAFTR data as HPI, £4.99 instead of £19.99
Check Cat A, B, S, N (and legacy Cat C, D) markers on any UK reg. Sourced via Experian from MIAFTR — the same insurance industry database HPI uses. Plus full MOT history, mileage check and outstanding finance.
Categories explained
What is a Cat S write-off?
Structural damage. The vehicle has suffered structural damage that compromised the chassis, frame or crumple zones. It can legally return to the road after professional repair and a notification of the marker. Insurance policies vary on whether they will cover Cat S vehicles. Cat S replaced the older Cat C in October 2017.
What is a Cat N write-off?
Non-structural damage. Significant damage to non-structural components — bodywork, electrics, interior, mechanical — but the underlying structure is intact. Cat N can return to the road without notification. Often the repair is straightforward. Cat N replaced the older Cat D in October 2017.
What is a Cat A write-off?
Scrap only. The damage is so severe the vehicle must be crushed; even individual parts cannot be salvaged. Cat A vehicles cannot be repaired or returned to the road under any circumstances.
What is a Cat B write-off?
Body shell destroyed. The vehicle itself cannot be repaired and must be scrapped, but individual parts (engine, gearbox, electronics) can be salvaged for use in other vehicles. Cat B cars cannot be put back on the road; only their parts can be reused.
What is a Cat C write-off?
Legacy category, replaced by Cat S in October 2017. Equivalent: economic write-off where the cost to repair exceeded the vehicle's pre-accident value, but the damage was such that it could be repaired. Existing Cat C markers remain permanent on the vehicle's history.
What is a Cat D write-off?
Legacy category, replaced by Cat N in October 2017. Equivalent: light damage where the repair cost exceeded the insurer's repair threshold but the vehicle was structurally sound. Existing Cat D markers remain permanent.
Driving a write-off legally
Can you legally drive a Cat S car?
Yes, after professional structural repair and a successful Vehicle Identity Check (VIC) was historically required (though VIC has been suspended since 2015). The owner should retain repair documentation. The Cat S marker stays on the V5 logbook permanently.
Can you legally drive a Cat N car?
Yes. Cat N vehicles can be returned to the road without inspection or notification. The Cat N marker stays on the vehicle's history but does not appear on the V5 itself.
Can you legally drive a Cat C or Cat D car?
Yes — both legacy categories allowed return to the road after repair. Cat C required notification (VIC); Cat D did not. Like Cat S/N, the marker is permanent on the history.
Do I need to declare a Cat S or Cat N to the DVLA?
Cat S markers must be notified to the DVLA after repair so the V5 reflects the status. Cat N markers do not require DVLA notification. Failure to declare Cat S after repair is technically a documentation issue rather than a moving offence.
Insuring a write-off
Can you insure a Cat S car?
Yes, but expect higher premiums and fewer providers willing to quote. Most mainstream insurers will cover Cat S after repair, but some specialist or premium insurers refuse. Always disclose the Cat S marker; failure to disclose is grounds for the insurer to void the policy.
Can you insure a Cat N car?
Yes, generally with smaller premium increases than Cat S. Most insurers treat Cat N as a minor disclosure rather than a category-changing risk. Always disclose.
Will a Cat S or Cat N car be cheaper to insure than a non-marker car?
No. The marker increases insurance cost regardless of the repair quality. The lower purchase price of a write-off is partly offset by the higher running insurance cost over ownership.
What happens if I don't tell my insurer about a Cat S/N marker?
Non-disclosure of a material fact lets the insurer void the policy after a claim or refuse to pay out. Even where the policy is not voided, future renewals can be refused industry-wide. The Insurance Database (MID) shares disclosure history between providers.
Buying or selling a write-off
Are Cat S or Cat N cars worth less than equivalent unmarked cars?
Yes. Typical depreciation discount for a Cat N is 15-25% vs unmarked equivalent; for Cat S it is 25-40%. The discount widens with vehicle age and reduces with strong repair documentation.
Can I sell a Cat S or Cat N car?
Yes, but you must disclose the marker. Selling a Cat S or N without disclosure is a misrepresentation that gives the buyer grounds to reverse the sale and reclaim the cost. Most reputable dealers will refuse a part-exchange on a Cat car.
Should I buy a Cat S or Cat N car?
It depends. A well-repaired Cat N at a 20% discount can be a genuine bargain — use the saving toward an enhanced inspection. A Cat S or poorly-documented Cat N is higher risk; the structural repair quality is critical and not something most buyers can verify themselves. Always pay for an independent mechanical inspection before completing.
Can a write-off car pass MOT?
Yes. The MOT tests current roadworthiness, not history. A repaired Cat S or N car passes MOT the same as any other car, provided it currently meets the standard. Pre-repair, a written-off vehicle would normally fail MOT regardless of category.
Finance + repossession
Can I get finance on a Cat S or Cat N car?
Some lenders will, with restrictions. Cat N is generally accepted by mainstream PCP and HP providers; Cat S is usually only accepted by specialist used-car finance lenders. Expect higher APR and shorter terms than for unmarked cars.
Can a Cat car still have outstanding finance against it?
Yes. The original finance company's claim is independent of the write-off marker. If a written-off vehicle was repaired and sold while still on finance, the finance company can still repossess from the new owner. Always run a finance check.
How to check for write-off markers
How do I check if a car has been written off (free options)?
There is no free check that returns write-off markers. Cat A/B/S/N data sits in the insurance industry's MIAFTR database, which charges per query. Free DVLA and DVSA data does not include write-off markers. Any 'free write-off check' site is misleading.
What is the cheapest way to check for write-off markers?
CarCostCheck premium at £4.99. It returns Cat A, B, S, N, plus legacy Cat C and D markers, sourced from MIAFTR via Experian — the same provider HPI (£19.99) uses. The £4.99 also includes outstanding finance, stolen, VIN verification, plate transfers, and previous owners.
Is the data really the same as HPI's?
Yes. CarCostCheck pulls write-off, stolen and finance data from Experian's UK vehicle data feed, which itself aggregates MIAFTR (write-offs and theft), CUE (claims) and the finance industry register. HPI uses the same Experian feed. The data flowing into a £4.99 CarCostCheck report is the same as the data in a £19.99 HPI report.
Will a CarCostCheck premium report show legacy Cat C and D markers?
Yes. Markers are permanent. Even though Cat C was replaced by Cat S in 2017, vehicles previously written off as Cat C still carry the Cat C marker today. Same for Cat D / Cat N. The premium report shows whichever marker is on file.
Run a write-off check on any UK reg, £4.99
Cat A, B, S, N + legacy Cat C, D markers from MIAFTR via Experian. Same data HPI charges £19.99 for. Plus stolen, finance, VIN verification, and full MOT history. PDF in 60 seconds.