Car Write Off Categories Explained
Insurers place damaged cars into write off categories. Knowing the difference helps you buy and insure with clearer eyes.
Based on public GOV.UK and ABI guidance.
| Cat A | Scrap only. The whole car must be crushed. |
|---|---|
| Cat B | Break for parts. The body shell must be crushed; some parts can be salvaged. Cannot go back on the road. |
| Cat S | Structurally damaged, repairable. |
| Cat N | Not structurally damaged, repairable. |
Older categories (before October 2017)
Cat C covered repairable cars where repair cost was high compared with value. Cat D covered repairable cars with a lower repair cost. You will still see these labels on older cars.
Run a car write off check by reg, or jump to a Cat N check or Cat S check.
Run a car write off check
Enter the plate, confirm the car, then continue if you want the full report emailed to you.
Is this the car?
If these details match the car and its V5C, continue to order the write off report.