Insurance write-offs · Experian
Write-off check
Our write-off check shows whether an insurer has written the car off, with the category (A, B, S or N, or older C and D) and the date, in the Full Check for £9.99.
Full Check
£9.99
Everything you need to know before you buy: finance, stolen, write-off, keepers, plates, valuation and mileage.
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The categories
Write-off categories explained
| Category | What it means | Can it go back on the road? |
|---|---|---|
| A | Scrap: the whole car must be crushed | Never |
| B | Break for parts; the body shell is crushed | Never |
| S | Structural damage, repairable | Yes, once repaired |
| N | Non-structural damage, repairable | Yes, once repaired |
| C and D (before October 2017) | Repairable; C cost more to fix than the car was worth | Yes |
Buying one
Should you buy a Cat S or Cat N car?
It can be a bargain, if you know what you're buying and the price reflects it. A repaired write-off is worth less than the same car with a clean history, some insurers charge more or refuse cover, and selling it on is harder.
Ask how it was repaired and by whom, get an independent inspection, and get an insurance quote before you pay. A seller who didn't tell you is a reason to walk away.
Questions
Write-off check questions
How do I check if a car is written off?
Run a write-off check with the registration. It's in our Full Check (£9.99).
Is a Cat N car safe?
Cat N damage didn't affect the structure, so a properly repaired Cat N car can be perfectly safe. Get it inspected.
Do I have to tell my insurer it's a write-off?
Yes. Not declaring it can invalidate your policy.
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