How to check if a car is a write-off (Cat S, N, A, B)
When an insurer decides a car isn't worth repairing, it's written off and given a category: A, B, S or N. Some come back to the road, and some never should. Here's how to check a car, and what each category means for you as a buyer.
By Michał Żelazko
Car enthusiast
Updated
First published
Quick answer
Run a write-off check on the car's registration before you pay. It shows whether the car has been written off, and in which category. Never buy a Cat A or B car: they should never return to the road. A Cat S or N car can be driven again once properly repaired, but get it inspected first.
Key takeaways
- Category A and B write-offs should never be repaired and returned to the road.
- Category S and N cars can be used again once they're repaired to a roadworthy condition.
- A Cat S car has had structural damage, so have it inspected by an independent engineer before you buy.
See what CarCanny finds on the car you're looking at.
What are the write-off categories A, B, S and N?
A written-off car is put in one of four categories, depending on whether it can be repaired.
| Category | Can it be repaired? | Can it go back on the road? |
|---|---|---|
| A | No | No. The whole car has to be crushed. |
| B | No | No. The body shell has to be crushed, but other parts can be salvaged. |
| S | Yes (structural damage) | Yes, once it's repaired to a roadworthy condition. |
| N | Yes (non-structural damage) | Yes, once it's repaired to a roadworthy condition. |
A Cat S or N car was written off because repairing it would cost more than it was worth, not because it couldn't be fixed. Many are repaired and sold.
Should you buy a Cat S or Cat N car?
You can, as long as you know the repair was done properly and the price reflects the car's history.
- Have an independent engineer inspect it for structural damage, especially a Cat S car.
- Ask who repaired it, and for proof of the work.
- Get an insurance quote before you buy, and tell your insurer the car's category after you buy it, or a claim could be turned down.
- A Cat S or N car should cost less than the same car with a clean history, but if the price looks too good to be true, be wary.
How do you check if a car is a write-off?
Run a write-off check on the car's registration, then match what it finds against the car and its paperwork.
Get the registration number
It's on the number plate and the V5C logbook. Make sure both match.
Run a write-off check
Enter the reg on CarCanny and get the full report. It shows whether a write-off is recorded, with the category and date when they're given.
Read the logbook
When an owner keeps a Cat S car, the DVLA records the category in its V5C logbook.
Check the VIN and the MOT history
Make sure the vehicle identification number on the car matches the logbook, and read the MOT history for signs of repairs.
Get it inspected
For a Cat S or N car, pay for an independent inspection before you hand over any money.
What does CarCanny's write-off check show?
CarCanny's full report shows whether a write-off is recorded, with the category and date when they're given, and tells you never to buy a Cat A or B car.
| Check | What the full report shows | In the free report? |
|---|---|---|
| Write-off | Recorded, with the category and date when given, or clear | No |
| Scrapped | Recorded or clear | Only the warning: "Don't buy this car." when the DVLA record shows it |
| Stolen | Recorded or clear | No |
A car recorded as stolen, scrapped or written off in category A or B gets "Don't buy this car." at the top of the report, written by fixed rules, not AI. If a record doesn't come back, its check reads "Not checked", never clear.
The free report shows whether the car matches its logbook, so you can rule a car out before you pay for the full report.
What does it mean if a car has been scrapped?
A scrapped car has been taken to an authorised treatment facility to be destroyed, so it should be off the road.
When a car is scrapped, the facility gives the owner a Certificate of Destruction, and the owner tells the DVLA. If a car recorded as scrapped is for sale, something is wrong: it may be another car wearing its plates. Don't buy it.
Frequently asked questions
Does the V5C logbook show if a car is Cat S?
It should: an owner who keeps a Cat S car must get a new logbook, and the DVLA records the category in it. Don't rely on the paperwork a seller shows you; run a write-off check on the reg.
Can I check if a car is a write-off for free?
Not with CarCanny's free report: write-off is a full report check. The free report shows whether the car matches its logbook, with a short AI verdict.
Is it worth buying a Cat N or Cat S car?
It can be, if it's been properly repaired and the price reflects its history. Have it independently inspected, and get an insurance quote before you buy.
Can a Cat A or Cat B car go back on the road?
No. A Cat A car has to be crushed whole. A Cat B car's body shell has to be crushed, though other parts can be salvaged. Neither should be repaired and driven again.
Sources
- GOV.UK: Scrapping your vehicle and insurance write-offs(opens in a new tab)
- GOV.UK: Buying repaired 'written off' vehicles, a consumer guide(opens in a new tab)
- GOV.UK: How to scrap your vehicle(opens in a new tab)
The ideas for our guides come from people on our team. We use AI tools to help research, draft and edit them, and the named author reads each one before it's published.
Written by
Michał Żelazko
Car enthusiast at CarCanny
Michał works at vlayer, the company behind CarCanny, and is a motoring fan after hours.
