Write-Off Check: Cat N, Cat S, Cat B Explained
Check if a car has been written off by an insurer. Understand what each category means for safety, insurance, and resale value before you buy.
What the write-off check includes
Write-off categories explained
Category A
Scrap only. The entire vehicle must be crushed. Nothing can be salvaged, not even parts. These are the most severely damaged vehicles, typically from fires or catastrophic structural failure. A Category A car should never appear for sale.
Category B
Body shell must be crushed, but parts can be salvaged. The car itself cannot be repaired or returned to the road. The engine, gearbox, and other components may be sold as spares. If you see a Category B car for sale as a whole vehicle, walk away.
Category S (formerly Cat C)
Structural damage that can be repaired. The car can legally be returned to the road after professional repair and a VIC (Vehicle Identity Check). Structural damage includes the chassis, frame, or crumple zones. These require careful inspection before purchase.
Category N (formerly Cat D)
Non-structural damage. This could be cosmetic damage, electrical faults, or mechanical issues that were too expensive for the insurer to repair relative to the car's value. Many Cat N cars are perfectly safe after repair. This is the most common write-off category.
How it works
Enter the reg plate
Type any UK vehicle registration into the search bar. No signup needed.
We check write-off records
We verify the vehicle against Experian insurance databases for Cat A, B, S, and N markers.
Get your result
View the write-off status, category explanation, and the full vehicle report.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Cat N write-off?▼
Category N (non-structural) means the car was written off due to damage that does not affect the structure. This includes cosmetic damage, electrical faults, or mechanical issues. The insurer decided it was cheaper to pay out than repair, but the car can be legally repaired and returned to the road. Many Cat N cars are perfectly safe after proper repair.
What is a Cat S write-off?▼
Category S (structural) means the car suffered structural damage, such as to the chassis, frame, or crumple zones. It can be repaired and returned to the road, but the repair must be done professionally. A VIC (Vehicle Identity Check) is required before it can be re-registered. Cat S cars should be inspected by an independent engineer before purchase.
Should I buy a Cat N or Cat S car?▼
It depends on the repair quality. A well-repaired Cat N car can be a good deal, as the write-off status significantly reduces the resale value even if the car is mechanically sound. Cat S cars carry more risk because structural repairs are harder to verify. Always get an independent inspection and be aware that insurance costs and resale value will be affected.
How does a write-off affect insurance?▼
Insurance premiums are typically higher for written-off vehicles because insurers view them as higher risk. Some insurers may refuse to cover Cat S or Cat B vehicles entirely. Always check insurance quotes before purchasing a written-off car, as the cost increase can be significant.
Can a write-off marker be removed?▼
No. Once a vehicle has been categorised as a write-off, the marker is permanent. It remains on the vehicle's history for its entire lifetime. This is why our check is important: it reveals the full write-off history that a seller might not disclose.
How much does a write-off check cost?▼
The write-off check is included in our premium report at £4.99. This also covers stolen vehicle check, outstanding finance, keeper count, VIN verification, and more. The free check includes MOT history analysis, mileage verification, and reliability scoring at no cost.
Check for write-off history now
Enter any UK reg plate. Free MOT analysis included. Full premium check with write-off, stolen, and finance for just £4.99.