# Written Off Car Check: Cat S, Cat N, Cat C and Cat D

> Written off car check: see if a UK car is recorded as an insurance write-off, its category (Cat S, N, C, D, A, B), the date and cause of the loss.

Free write-off check: see if a car has been written off or has insurance damage history, its category, loss date and cause

## What is a write-off check?

When an insurer decides a damaged or stolen-and-recovered car is not worth repairing, or cannot be repaired safely, it is **written off** and given a category. That record stays with the car for life. A **write-off check** tells you whether the car you are looking at has been written off, which category it is in and when it happened.

## Write-off categories explained

| Category | What it means | Can it return to the road? |
|---|---|---|
| Cat A | Scrap: the whole car must be crushed | No |
| Cat B | Break: the body shell must be crushed; some parts can be salvaged | No |
| Cat S | Structural damage, such as the chassis or crumple zones | Yes, once professionally repaired |
| Cat N | Non-structural damage, such as cosmetic or electrical | Yes, once repaired |
| Cat C (before Oct 2017) | Repair would have cost more than the car was worth | Yes, once repaired |
| Cat D (before Oct 2017) | Repair would have cost less than the car was worth, but the insurer chose not to repair | Yes, once repaired |

More detail: [Cat S, Cat N, Cat C and Cat D write-offs explained](https://carcheckup.co.uk/blog/cat-s-cat-n-cat-c-cat-d-write-offs-explained/).

## What our write-off check shows

- Whether an insurance write-off is recorded, and its category.
- The date of the loss and what happened, such as an accident, theft, fire or flood.
- Where recorded, the damaged areas of the car and the insurer.
- Salvage auction records, which usually mean the car was damaged even if no write-off is recorded.
- Whether the car is recorded as [scrapped](https://carcheckup.co.uk/blog/scrapped-cars-and-certificates-of-destruction-explained/), which means it should never be for sale.

The write-off check is part of every [full car history report](https://carcheckup.co.uk/sample-car-history-report/), together with the [outstanding finance check](https://carcheckup.co.uk/outstanding-finance-check) and the [stolen car check](https://carcheckup.co.uk/stolen-car-check).

## Buying a Cat S or Cat N car

A properly repaired write-off can be a good-value car, but check it carefully:

- Ask for photos of the damage and invoices for the repair.
- Pay for an independent inspection, especially for a Cat S car.
- Get an insurance quote first: some insurers charge more and a few decline write-offs.
- Tell your insurer about the category, or a claim could be refused.
- Expect the car to be worth noticeably less than the same car without a write-off, when you buy and when you sell.

## Write-off check FAQs

**Is a write-off check free?** Write-off records come from the insurance industry's register and are included in the full report. The free check shows the MOT history, mileage and DVLA details.

**Does the V5C show that a car was written off?** Not always. A history check is the reliable way to find out.

**Can a Cat S car be driven?** Yes, once it has been professionally repaired and is roadworthy. Cat A and Cat B cars must never return to the road.

Run the check: enter a UK registration or VIN at https://carcheckup.co.uk/written-off-vehicle-check (free: DVLA details, MOT history and mileage readings; finance, write-off, stolen, keeper records and the mileage anomaly check are in the full report). HTML page: https://carcheckup.co.uk/written-off-vehicle-check