Car Category Check

What write-off details will the report show?

Alongside the recorded category, the report can show the write-off date, cause of damage and damaged areas where this information is available.

For example, a recorded result could show:

The information available varies between records. Not every vehicle will have a cause of damage listed, as this depends on what the insurer recorded at the time. These details help you ask the seller about the original damage and repairs; they aren't a full damage assessment or an inspection of the car today.

What is a car category?

When people ask what category a car is, they usually want to know whether it has been written off and which category the insurer assigned to it. The category describes the recorded loss, rather than the car's condition today.

A write-off can involve damage that makes a repair unsuitable, or a decision that repairing the vehicle isn't economical for the insurer. The category helps explain that decision, but doesn't provide a full inspection of the car.

How much does the check cost?

After confirming the vehicle registration, you can choose a Full Check, Partial Check or Multi-Check option and see the available prices. All three options include recorded write-off data.

Compare the other checks included before choosing. The Full report also includes outstanding finance and logbook-loan checks; see our Pricing page for the Full and Partial report comparison.

What do Cat A, B, S and N mean?

Non-structural doesn't mean that the repairs were minor or that the vehicle is safe now. For example, damage affecting brakes or electrical systems can still need careful repair. Ask what was damaged and how it was repaired.

What about Cat C and Cat D?

Older history records can use C and D. These classifications were based on repair economics rather than the structural/non-structural distinction used for S and N. Your report shows the category recorded at the time.

Should I buy a Cat C car?

Research the original damage and repairs as carefully as you would for any written-off car. A Cat C record doesn't tell you whether the damage was structural. If the evidence shows structural damage, read the Cat S buying advice; for non-structural damage, read the Cat N advice. These are relevant repair considerations, rather than a replacement category for the car.

Should I buy a Cat D car?

Don't assume a Cat D car had only cosmetic damage. Ask for the damage and repair records, arrange an inspection and check insurance before buying. The Cat N buying advice is useful when the damage was non-structural; if structural repairs were involved, follow the Cat S advice. The older D label alone doesn't establish which applies.

How can I check if a car is Cat S or Cat N?

1. Enter the vehicle registration and confirm the vehicle details.
2. Choose a Full Check, Partial Check or Multi-Check option.
3. Complete your purchase and review the recorded write-off result.

If a write-off is recorded, the report shows the category assigned at the time. This may be A, B, S or N, or an older C or D classification.

Our sample reports include a written-off vehicle example so you can see the report format before buying. After payment, you can access your report in your browser and receive a PDF copy by email.

If a write-off is highlighted, compare the recorded information with the seller's description and ask for evidence of the damage and repairs. If something doesn't match, clarify it before paying a deposit or agreeing to buy.

What should I check before buying a written-off car?

Take time to research the vehicle's history and repairs before buying, especially if you've never bought a written-off car before. A repaired vehicle may be worth considering, but the category alone doesn't tell you whether it's a good purchase. Don't let a lower asking price replace those checks.

Before paying a deposit:

• Ask for photographs of the original damage, repair invoices and any inspection reports the seller holds.
• Arrange an independent inspection to assess the repairs and the vehicle's current condition.
• Compare the vehicle's VIN with its logbook and check that the registration, make and model match the report.
• Tell your insurer about the recorded category and confirm that they will cover the vehicle, on what terms and at what price. Some insurers may not offer cover, so check before committing to buy.
• Bear in mind that the write-off history is very likely to affect the vehicle's resale value. Consider what you might receive when selling it later, as well as the price you're paying now.

Cat A and Cat B vehicles cannot return to the road. Don't treat a repaired appearance or a current MOT as permission to use one as a road car.

Should I buy a Cat S car?

A Cat S result means structural damage was recorded. The car can return to the road once repaired to a roadworthy condition, but the category doesn't confirm that this has happened.

Ask which structural areas were damaged, who repaired them and what evidence of the work is available. Choose an independent inspector with accident-repair expertise to assess the repairs. Before buying, confirm insurance cover and its cost, and account for the likely effect on resale value. If you can't establish the repair quality, don't commit on the strength of a low price or an MOT alone.

Should I buy a Cat N car?

A Cat N result means non-structural damage was recorded. It doesn't mean the car only had scratches or dents: brakes, steering, electrics or safety systems may still have needed repair.

Ask what was damaged and get the repairs checked independently. Confirm that your insurer will cover the vehicle and at what price, and consider its future resale value. A Cat N car can be worth considering when the repairs, condition and price stack up, but don't treat the label as a safety guarantee.

Should I buy a Cat A car?

No, if you want a car to repair or drive. A Cat A vehicle must be crushed in its entirety and cannot return to the road. If a check shows Cat A against a vehicle being offered as a road car, don't proceed with the purchase. Ask for clarification of any apparent mismatch before considering it further.

Should I buy a Cat B car?

Not as a car to repair and drive. A Cat B vehicle's body shell must be crushed, although usable parts may be salvaged. A repaired appearance doesn't change that classification. If the vehicle you're checking is advertised for road use but returns Cat B, don't proceed as though it were a repairable Cat S or Cat N car.

Can anyone repair a Cat S or Cat N car?

The category alone doesn't establish what skills or equipment the repair needs. For structural work, use a suitably qualified accident-repair specialist. Non-structural damage can also involve safety-critical systems, so choose someone competent in the work required rather than assuming it is a simple DIY repair.

Ask for repair invoices and evidence of the work, and arrange an independent inspection before buying. Confirm with your insurer whether it needs an engineer's report or other evidence. The requirement for the vehicle to be roadworthy still applies; the category or an MOT alone isn't proof that every accident repair has been carried out properly.

Does a category tell me exactly what was damaged?

No. The category describes the insurance classification. The report may also list a cause of damage or affected areas, but it doesn't provide a complete list of damaged parts or confirm how well they were repaired. Use the seller's repair records and an independent inspection to investigate the actual vehicle.

If you'd like to contact the insurer directly, contact us after purchasing your report and we can provide the insurance company's contact details.

Does a clear result prove a car has never been damaged?

No. A recorded write-off check doesn't include every incident or establish the quality of repairs. You should still inspect the vehicle and complete the other used-car checks even if no write-off is highlighted.