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Buying a used car?  One of the most important steps is to check if the car has been written off. A vehicle that’s been damaged and declared a total loss by insurers might seem like a bargain – but it could come with safety risks, insurance complications, and a much lower resale value. In this guide, we explain UK car write-off categories, how to check if a car is a write-off, and what it means for you as a buyer.

What Is a Car Write-Off?

When a car suffers severe damage – whether in a crash, flood, or fire – insurers may decide that repairing it costs more than it’s worth. In that case, they write it off and place it in a write-off category.

UK Car Write-Off Categories Explained

Insurers classify written-off vehicles into four main categories:

Category A: Complete write-off. The vehicle must be crushed – no parts can be reused.

Category B: Too damaged to return to the road. Some parts may be salvaged, but the chassis must be scrapped.

Category S (Structural): The car has sustained structural damage (e.g., to the frame or chassis) but can be professionally repaired and re-registered.

Category N (Non-Structural): The damage is cosmetic or electrical – no structural issues. Still needs repairing before it's safe to drive.

Knowing the difference between these categories is vital for insurance purposes and ensuring your car is roadworthy.

How to Check If a Car Is a Write-Off

Before committing to any used car, take these steps to check for write-off history:

1. Use a Vehicle History Check Service
Services like Rooster Car Check provide instant access to a car’s history. Simply enter the registration number (VRM) to get:

Write-off status (and category if applicable)
MOT history and mileage records
Outstanding finance
Past number plate changes
Vehicle valuation and more

📲 Try it for yourself – download the Rooster app now.

2. Check DVLA Records
You can run a basic check on the DVLA website to see MOT, tax, and registration status. It won’t show write-off history – but it’s a good secondary check.

3. Inspect the Vehicle
Look for signs of damage, such as:

Mismatched paint or poorly aligned panels
Rust or new-looking welds
Replaced airbags or dashboard lights staying on

Always get a trusted mechanic to inspect the vehicle before you buy.

Should You Buy a Write-Off Car?

Write-off cars – especially Category S or N – can be roadworthy if properly repaired, but they come with trade-offs:

Pros:
Cheaper upfront
Might still be safe and reliable

Cons:
Harder to insure
Lower resale value
Possible hidden damage if poorly repaired

Avoid Cat A and Cat B cars completely. They are not legal for road use and should only be bought for scrap parts (Cat B only).

How a Write-Off Affects Insurance and Resale

Cars with a write-off history can:

Be harder to insure or only accepted by specialist insurers
Have reduced resale value, sometimes by 30% or more
Be flagged during future checks, affecting buyer confidence

Always declare write-off status to your insurer to avoid invalidating your policy.

Final Thoughts from Rooster

At Rooster, we make it easy to check your car’s history and manage everything in one place – insurance, MOTs, breakdown cover, and more.
Whether you're buying, selling, or maintaining a vehicle, know its past and avoid unwanted surprises.

📲 Download the Rooster app and try Rooster Car Check today.