What does insurance write-off mean?
An insurance write-off means a car was deemed uneconomical to repair by an insurance company following an accident, theft, or other incident. The insurer has determined that the cost of repairing the vehicle exceeds its pre-accident value, so they pay out the vehicle's value instead of funding repairs.
Why insurance write-off matters to buyers
Damage history
Insurance write-offs indicate the vehicle has suffered significant damage. The extent and type of damage varies by category, but all write-offs have a permanent record that affects the vehicle's history and value.
Safety considerations
Depending on the write-off category, the vehicle may have structural damage or other safety concerns. Even after repair, some write-off categories indicate ongoing safety risks that buyers should be aware of.
Resale value
Insurance write-offs typically sell for less than equivalent non-written-off vehicles. The write-off status remains on the vehicle's record permanently, affecting future resale value throughout the vehicle's lifetime.
Insurance and finance
Many insurers charge higher premiums for written-off vehicles, and some may refuse comprehensive cover. Most lenders will not provide finance for certain write-off categories, limiting your purchasing options.
What insurance write-off indicates
Insurance write-offs are categorised to indicate the type and severity of damage. Category A and Category B vehicles must be scrapped and cannot be returned to the road. Category S indicates structural damage but can be repaired, while Category N indicates non-structural damage that can be repaired.
When an insurance company writes off a vehicle, they make an economic decision based on repair costs versus the vehicle's value. This does not necessarily mean the vehicle cannot be repaired, but rather that it is not financially viable for the insurer to do so. Some written-off vehicles can be legally repaired and returned to the road.
The write-off status is recorded in official UK databases and remains on the vehicle's record permanently. This information is accessible through vehicle history checks, helping buyers make informed decisions about vehicles with damage history.
What to check before buying a written-off car
- Verify the write-off category and understand what it means
- Do not purchase Category A or B vehicles, as they cannot legally be on the road
- For Category S or N vehicles, verify repair work was completed by a qualified mechanic
- Request documentation showing the extent of the original damage and repairs carried out
- Check that the vehicle has passed the required inspections where applicable
- Have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle thoroughly
- Confirm the vehicle's MOT history and current MOT status
- Check insurance quotes before committing to purchase
- Verify finance options if you need a loan to purchase the vehicle
- Verify the seller has disclosed the write-off 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
Frequently asked questions
What are the different write-off categories?
Write-off categories include Cat A (must be scrapped, no parts reuse), Cat B (must be scrapped, parts can be reused), Cat S (structural damage, can be repaired), and Cat N (non-structural damage, can be repaired). Categories C and D were replaced by S and N in October 2017.
Can a written-off car be legally driven?
It depends on the category. Cat A and Cat B vehicles cannot legally be driven. Cat S and Cat N vehicles can be legally driven after proper repair and passing required inspections. The write-off status remains on the record permanently.
Does insurance write-off affect resale value?
Yes. Written-off vehicles typically sell for less than equivalent non-written-off vehicles. The reduction varies by category, with structural write-offs generally having a greater impact than non-structural write-offs. The status remains on the record permanently.
How can I confirm a car has been written off?
You can confirm a car has been written off 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, and the date of the write-off. This information comes from official UK insurance and vehicle databases.
Do sellers have to disclose write-off status?
Yes. Sellers are legally required to disclose if a vehicle has been written off. However, some sellers may fail to do so. A vehicle history check provides independent verification from official sources, helping buyers confirm write-off status regardless of seller disclosure.
Can I get finance on a written-off vehicle?
Most lenders will not provide finance for written-off vehicles, particularly for structural write-offs. Some lenders may consider non-structural write-offs but often at higher interest rates. It is advisable to check with lenders before committing to purchase if you need finance.