When it comes to car insurance write-offs, it can be a confusing and frustrating process. However, understanding the different categories can help ease some of the confusion and provide clarity on what happens to a car after it has been deemed a write-off.
The four categories of car insurance write-offs are Cat A, Cat B, Cat S, and Cat N. These categories were revamped in October 2017 to provide more specific denominations for different levels of damage.
Category A is reserved for the most severely damaged vehicles. Cars in this category are condemned to the scrapyard, and even salvageable parts cannot be repurposed. High-speed impacts, complete burnouts, and extensive vandalism usually result in a Category A designation.
Category B is for cars that have received extensive damage, whether it be structural, mechanical, or electrical. These cars cannot be put back on the road, but serviceable parts can be removed and used on other vehicles. Only authorized treatment facilities are permitted to handle Category B vehicles.
Formerly known as Category C, Category S includes vehicles that have received structural bodywork damage but can be repaired and put back on the road. It’s important to note that even though a Category S write-off is among the least severe, the vehicle will be deemed unsafe for use until it has been professionally repaired.
Category N replaced the old Category D and is used to describe vehicles that have received non-structural damage that the insurer deems not worth repairing. While the damage may be less severe, it could still affect the electronics, brakes, suspension, or mechanics of the car, requiring rectification before it can go back on the road.
If your car is written off, you need to notify your insurer and the DVLA so they can assess the damage and determine the extent of the write-off. The insurer will offer you an agreed market value for the damaged vehicle and take legal possession of it. However, if you wish to keep the vehicle because it’s only a Category N write-off or because you can repair it for less than the cost of a replacement, you can refuse the offer. The DVLA must also be notified of the write-off, and for Category S cars, any repairs made need to be assessed by the DVLA before the car can return to the road. Category N damage usually doesn’t require further assessment but must still be kept in a roadworthy condition.
As a buyer, it’s important to thoroughly inspect any written-off car you’re considering purchasing. Category A cars cannot be purchased or put back on the road, but Category B, Category N, and Category S cars may be available for sale. However, buyers should inspect the repair work and understand how the damage occurred before making a purchase. Comprehensive vehicle history checks can provide valuable information about a car’s repair history and help buyers avoid costly repairs down the line.
Insuring a written-off car can be more challenging and may come with higher premiums. Insurers are cautious about non-factory-standard repairs that may have been made, so they may require an independent engineer’s inspection or an MOT certificate as proof of roadworthiness. Some insurers may not ask about a vehicle’s crash history upfront but will check records in the event of an accident.
In conclusion, understanding car insurance write-off categories can help both owners and buyers navigate the process more confidently. Knowing the different categories and their implications can ensure that damaged cars are handled appropriately and provide buyers with valuable insights when considering purchasing a written-off vehicle.