What do the write-off categories mean?
The category describes an insurer's recorded total-loss decision. It is not an assessment of the car's current condition.
- Category S: structural damage; the vehicle can be used again if repaired to a roadworthy condition.
- Category N: non-structural damage; this can still involve important safety components and repairs.
- Category A: the entire vehicle must be crushed. Category B: the body shell must be crushed, although some parts may be recovered.
- Older records may use Category C or D. Do not treat these older categories as exact equivalents of S or N.
A write-off check is not a complete accident history
Damage repaired privately, an unreported collision or an insurance record not returned by the checked register may not appear. A clear result does not prove the car has never been in an accident. Salvage records, where available, are another piece of evidence; they do not prove a repair was completed correctly.
What to ask before buying a Cat S or Cat N car
Ask for repair invoices and evidence of what was damaged and replaced. Arrange an independent inspection suitable for the recorded damage, and get an insurance quote before buying. Compare the price with other cars carrying the same recorded history rather than an undamaged example alone.
Questions before you check
Is a write-off check free?
The free check covers MOT and mileage history, vehicle details and MOT and tax status. Recorded insurance write-off checks and categories are included in the paid Full Report.
Can a Category N car have safety-related damage?
Yes. Non-structural does not mean minor or cosmetic. Brakes, steering and other safety-related parts may have been affected. Check the repair evidence and current condition.
Does a valid MOT prove a written-off car is properly repaired?
No. An MOT is not a full repair-quality or structural inspection. Review the history, repairs and condition separately.
Does no write-off record mean no accidents?
No. A check reports records returned at the lookup date. Accidents and repairs that were never recorded can be absent, so inspect the vehicle as well.