What is a Category write off: UK guide
Understanding write-off categories is a crucial part of buying a used car in the UK. Cars that have been damaged, whether in an accident, by flooding or by theft recovery, are often assessed by insurers and assigned a category that indicates whether they can be repaired and re-registered or must be scrapped.
A Category write off affects a vehicle’s safety, value and insurability — and failing to recognise write-off status before purchase can lead to costly mistakes. This guide explains what a Category write off is, how insurers decide on classification, and what each category means for you as a buyer.
What is a Category write off?
A Category write off is a classification used by UK insurers after a vehicle has been damaged. When the cost to repair the car exceeds a threshold set by the insurer — often related to safety, cost and structural issues — the vehicle is “written off”. The category assigned indicates whether the car can be repaired and returned to the road or if it should be permanently taken out of service.
These write-off categories replace the old A-F system and are used in modern UK vehicle history reports. Knowing them helps buyers understand the implications of buying a repaired car.
Why write-off status matters
Safety and repair quality
Even when a car has been repaired, structural damage may still exist in hard-to-see areas. Poor repairs can compromise crash protection and long-term reliability. Understanding write-off status helps you evaluate whether a repaired vehicle is truly roadworthy.
Value and resale
Cars that have been written off and repaired typically sell for less than similar undamaged vehicles. Future buyers may also be wary of purchasing a car with a write-off history. By checking write-off status before you buy, you can negotiate a fair price or decide to look elsewhere.
Write-off categories explained
In the UK, write-off categories indicate the level of damage and what can be done with the vehicle:
- Category A: Scrap only — the car must be destroyed and cannot be returned to the road.
- Category B: Parts only — usable parts can be salvaged, but the vehicle cannot be repaired for the road.
- Category S (Structural): Repairable structural damage — the car can be repaired and re-registered after a certified inspection.
- Category N (Non-structural): Repairable non-structural damage — cosmetic or minor components can be fixed and the car can be returned to road use.
Categories S and N vehicles may appear normal once repaired, but underlying issues can still affect performance and safety if repairs are not done correctly.
How to check for write-off status
Before committing to a purchase, you should check a car’s write-off status using reputable history check services that cover:
- Insurance write-off records
- National salvage databases
- Police theft and recovery records
- MOT and mileage history
A comprehensive vehicle history check will flag whether the car has ever been written off and which category it was assigned. This information, combined with a mechanical inspection, gives you the clearest picture of a car’s background.
What to consider when a write-off is found
If a vehicle has a write-off history:
- Ask for documentation about the repairs and who carried them out
- Get an independent inspection to assess repair quality
- Adjust your offer to reflect the impact on value and future resale
In some cases, a Category S or N car can still be a good value purchase if repairs are thorough and well documented. However, you must be confident of repair quality and transparency.
Conclusion
Understanding write-off classifications and running a proper check before buying are essential steps in avoiding unwanted surprises and financial loss. By recognising what a Category write off means and how it affects condition and value, you can negotiate with clarity and make confident decisions when purchasing a used car.
How Rooster helps protect your purchase
The Rooster app gives you the tools to check a vehicle’s background before you buy. With Rooster you can:
- Access comprehensive vehicle history checks including write-off flags
- View MOT records and mileage consistency before committing
- Get a realistic vehicle valuation to support negotiation
- Compare prices and book services, repairs and MOTs for up to 50% less
- Store car documents securely
- Check CAZ and ULEZ compliance
- Access flexible insurance options and breakdown cover from £2.99 per month
Download the Rooster app to make safer, more informed car buying decisions every time.
