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What does Cat S mean on a car?

Cat S (Category S) means a car was written off by an insurance company due to structural damage. The vehicle was deemed uneconomical to repair by the insurer, but it can be legally repaired and returned to the road if the work is completed to a satisfactory standard. Cat S replaced the previous Category C classification in October 2017.

Why Cat S matters to buyers

Structural integrity

Cat S indicates damage to the vehicle's structural frame or chassis. Even after repair, the car may have reduced structural integrity compared to a vehicle that has never been written off. This can affect safety in future collisions.

Insurance implications

Many insurers charge higher premiums for Cat S vehicles, and some may refuse to provide comprehensive cover. You may be limited to third-party insurance only, which offers less protection.

Resale value

Cat S vehicles typically sell for significantly less than equivalent non-written-off cars. The write-off status remains on the vehicle's record permanently, affecting future resale value.

Finance eligibility

Most lenders will not provide finance for Cat S vehicles. If you need a loan to purchase the car, you may struggle to find a willing lender.

What Cat S indicates

Structural damage refers to damage to the vehicle's load-bearing framework, including the chassis, subframe, or integral body structure. This differs from cosmetic damage, which affects only panels, paintwork, or non-structural components.

When an insurance company writes off a vehicle as Cat S, they have determined that the cost of repairing the structural damage exceeds the vehicle's pre-accident value, making it a total loss. This is an economic decision, not necessarily a statement about whether the car can be made roadworthy again.

A Cat S vehicle can be legally repaired and returned to the road, but it must pass the required inspections to confirm it is the original vehicle and has been properly repaired. The write-off category remains on the vehicle's record permanently, even after successful repair.

What to check before buying a Cat S car

  • Verify the repair work was completed by a qualified mechanic or body shop
  • Request documentation showing the extent of the original damage and the repairs carried out
  • Check that the vehicle has passed the required inspections where applicable
  • Have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle for structural integrity
  • Confirm the vehicle's MOT history and current MOT status
  • Check insurance quotes before committing to purchase
  • Ensure you can afford the vehicle without finance, as lenders typically refuse Cat S vehicles
  • Verify the seller has disclosed the Cat S status and it appears on the vehicle history check

How a vehicle history check helps

A vehicle history check provides official records from UK databases, including insurance write-off information. This helps buyers verify whether a vehicle has been written off, when it was written off, and under which category.

Sellers are legally required to disclose write-off status, but some may fail to do so. A vehicle history check provides independent verification from official sources, helping buyers make informed decisions and avoid purchasing vehicles with undisclosed damage history.

What a Carpeep vehicle history check can show

  • Write-off category (Cat S, Cat N, Cat A, Cat B, Cat C, Cat D) and date of write-off
  • Theft and recovery status, including whether the vehicle has been reported stolen
  • Outstanding finance agreements, including provider name, agreement type, and start date
  • Mileage inconsistencies and potential odometer rollbacks, automatically flagged
  • Keeper changes and number of previous owners
  • MOT history timeline, including all test dates, pass/fail results, advisories, and recorded mileage at each test
  • Registration plate changes and vehicle identity verification
Run a vehicle history check

Frequently asked questions

Is Cat S the same as Cat N?

No. Cat S (Category S) indicates structural damage, while Cat N (Category N) indicates non-structural damage. Cat N vehicles have damage to non-load-bearing parts such as panels, lights, or interior components. Both categories mean the vehicle was written off, but Cat S typically has more significant implications for safety and value.

Can a Cat S car be legally driven?

Yes, a Cat S car can be legally driven after it has been properly repaired and passed the required inspections. The vehicle must pass appropriate inspections to confirm it is the original vehicle and has been repaired to a satisfactory standard. Once these checks are passed, the vehicle can be taxed, insured, and driven on UK roads.

Does Cat S affect insurance?

Yes. Many insurers charge higher premiums for Cat S vehicles due to the perceived increased risk. Some insurers may refuse to provide comprehensive cover, limiting you to third-party insurance only. It is advisable to obtain insurance quotes before purchasing a Cat S vehicle to understand the cost implications.

Does Cat S reduce resale value?

Yes. Cat S vehicles typically sell for significantly less than equivalent non-written-off vehicles. The write-off status remains on the vehicle's record permanently, which affects its value throughout its lifetime. Future buyers will see the Cat S status on vehicle history checks, which limits the pool of potential buyers.

How can I confirm a car is Cat S?

You can confirm a car is Cat S by running a vehicle history check using the vehicle's registration number. The check will show if the vehicle has been written off, the category of write-off (Cat S, Cat N, etc.), and the date of the write-off. This information comes from official UK insurance and vehicle databases.

Can a vehicle history check miss a write-off?

Vehicle history checks use official UK databases including the Motor Insurance Anti-Fraud and Theft Register (MIAFTR) and the Association of British Insurers (ABI) database. If a vehicle was written off by an insurance company, it should appear on these databases. However, if damage was repaired privately without involving an insurer, it may not appear on official records. A thorough physical inspection by a qualified mechanic is also recommended.