What does total loss mean on a car?
Total loss means a car was written off by an insurance company because the cost of repairing the vehicle exceeds its pre-accident market value. The insurer has determined it is more economical to pay out the vehicle's value than to fund repairs, making the vehicle a total loss from an insurance perspective.
Why total loss matters to buyers
Significant damage
Total loss indicates the vehicle has suffered damage significant enough that repair costs exceed the vehicle's value. This suggests substantial damage that may affect the vehicle's condition, safety, or reliability even after repair.
Permanent record
Total loss status is recorded in official UK databases and remains on the vehicle's record permanently. This affects the vehicle's history, value, and may impact insurance premiums and finance availability.
Resale value
Vehicles with total loss history typically sell for less than equivalent vehicles without such history. The total loss record affects future resale value throughout the vehicle's lifetime.
Insurance and finance
Many insurers charge higher premiums for vehicles with total loss history, and some may refuse comprehensive cover. Most lenders will not provide finance for vehicles with total loss records, limiting purchasing options.
What total loss indicates
Total loss is an insurance term that refers to the economic decision made by an insurer when repair costs exceed the vehicle's pre-accident value. This is a financial calculation, not necessarily a statement about whether the vehicle can be repaired or made roadworthy. When a vehicle is declared a total loss, it becomes an insurance write-off.
When an insurer declares a vehicle a total loss, they pay out the vehicle's market value to the policyholder and take ownership of the damaged vehicle. The vehicle is then categorised as a write-off (Cat A, Cat B, Cat S, or Cat N) depending on the type and severity of damage.
Some total loss vehicles can be legally repaired and returned to the road, particularly those categorised as Cat S or Cat N. However, the total loss and write-off status remains on the vehicle's record permanently, accessible through vehicle history checks.
What to check before buying a total loss vehicle
- Verify the write-off category to understand the type of damage
- 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 total loss 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 total loss and write-off information. This helps buyers verify whether a vehicle has been declared a total loss, when it occurred, and under which write-off category.
Sellers are legally required to disclose total loss and 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
Is total loss the same as write-off?
Yes. Total loss is the insurance term used when a vehicle is written off. The vehicle is categorised as an insurance write-off (Cat A, Cat B, Cat S, or Cat N) based on the type and severity of damage. Both terms refer to the same situation where repair costs exceed the vehicle's value.
Can a total loss vehicle be repaired?
It depends on the write-off category. Cat A and Cat B vehicles cannot be repaired and must be scrapped. Cat S and Cat N vehicles can be legally repaired and returned to the road after proper repair and passing required inspections. The total loss status remains on the record permanently.
Does total loss affect insurance?
Yes. Many insurers charge higher premiums for vehicles with total loss history, and some may refuse comprehensive cover. The impact varies by write-off category, with structural write-offs generally having a greater effect on insurance availability and cost.
How can I confirm a car is a total loss?
You can confirm a car is a total loss 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. This information comes from official UK insurance and vehicle databases.
Does total loss reduce resale value?
Yes. Vehicles with total loss history typically sell for less than equivalent vehicles without such history. The reduction varies by write-off category, with structural write-offs generally having a greater impact. The status remains on the record permanently, affecting value throughout the vehicle's lifetime.
Can I get finance on a total loss vehicle?
Most lenders will not provide finance for vehicles with total loss history, 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.