Conduct an Insurance Write-Off Check by Reg Number

What to Know When Buying a Write-Off Car

You need to know if a car is an insurance write-off when buying or owning. If adequately repaired, you can buy a Cat S, Cat N, Cat D or Cat C car.

But, with a permanent MIAFTR marker against its title, the vehicle will be worth less than an accident-free one. It also makes reselling difficult as private motorists tend to avoid written-off cars.

If you are buying a car write-off from a dealer, there is a legal obligation to inform you of past accidents and repairs.

If you are buying a car privately, the seller is not obliged to tell you about hidden damage repairs. This may occur when the seller wants to fetch a top price for their vehicle.

Difficulties Associated With Vehicle Write-Offs

Car value is diminished
Insurance markers are tied to the car for the rest of its life
Difficult to sell
Expensive to insure

What is a Car Write-Off?

A car write-off, or Total Loss, occurs when a vehicle is damaged by an accident, fire, or flood, and the cost of repairs exceeds a set percentage of its value, known as the repair-to-value ratio.

Typically, insurers classify a vehicle as a write-off when repair costs are 50% to 60% of its pre-accident value. The insurer calculates the car’s market value before the damage and compares it to the estimated repair costs to determine a write-off classification.

What is a Car Write-Off Check?

A car write-off check is an online investigation that uses a vehicle’s registration number to uncover its damage history. Services like CarVeto scan trusted databases, including the MIAFTR (Motor Insurance Anti-Fraud and Theft Register) and MIB (Motor Insurance Database), to determine if the car has been marked as a write-off due to accident, fire, or flood damage.

How to Check if a Car Has Been Written-Off?

Type the registration number into the field above to check if a car has been written off. You will receive an instant online report highlighting hidden history, including Cat A, Cat B, Cat C, Cat D, Cat S or Cat N.

What’s Included in a Car Category Check?

Included in a CarVeto Premium Check:

Write-off check
Salvage check
Stolen check
Mileage check
Private number plate transfers

There are 50+ checks in every report.

UK Car Damage Categories

Cat A, B, S and N Defined

Read our detailed guide to Write-Off Categories

Cat A: Critical damage

A Cat A car is severely damaged and sent to scrap. Due to the extent of damage, the vehicle is crushed and destroyed, including any salvageable parts.

Cat B: Severe damage

Cat B cars can be broken up into salvageable parts. The body shell tends to be crushed. Despite extensive damage, salvaged parts can be reused.

Cat S: Structural damage

Cat S signals a vehicle has suffered structural damage. It includes components like collapsed crumple zones or a twisted or bent chassis. When professionally repaired, the car can be returned to the road.

Cat N: Non-structural damage

Can N has moderate to low damage. It has not sustained structural damage, and repairs are minimal compared to a Cat S car. Cat N restoration may be cosmetic, such as scratches, minor dents, or electrical. The insurer has deemed repairs more than the car's value, resulting in a write-off status.

Where Do You Check Car Accident Data?

CarVeto databases checks car accident and damage data from reliable motoring organisations including:

MIAFTR
MIB
DVLA

What Happens When Your Car is Written-Off?

If your car is written off, it is deemed no longer roadworthy, and ownership typically transfers to your insurance company. Here’s what you need to know if your car is
beyond reasonable repair:

Insurance Claim Process: Comprehensive car insurance covers the write-off process, from damage assessment to payout. It may also include compensation and a hire car while your claim is processed.
Market Value Payment: Your insurer will pay the car’s market value at the time of the damage, not the original purchase price.
Impact on No-Claims Bonus: Your no-claims bonus could be affected depending on who is deemed at fault for the accident or damage.
Insurance Premiums: If your no-claims discount is lost, your next insurance premium may increase.

Can I Buy an Insurance Write-Off Vehicle?

Yes, you can purchase a Category S or Category N insurance write-off vehicle, provided it has been professionally repaired and deemed roadworthy. However, such cars are typically valued lower than similar vehicles without an accident history. Always ensure a thorough inspection and consider a vehicle history check before buying.

Can I Sell an Insurance Write-Off Vehicle?

Yes, you can sell a Cat S or Cat N insurance write-off vehicle if it has been professionally repaired and is roadworthy. While you’re not legally required to disclose the write-off status in private or dealer sales, doing so is strongly recommended to avoid disputes. Transparency builds trust and ensures a smoother sale process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Total Loss Vehicle?

A Total Loss is a term used to describe a vehicle written off by an insurer. The cost or repairs exceeds the vehicle’s pre-incident market value.

What is Car Salvage?

A salvage vehicle is one that an insurance company has deemed unroadworthy and uneconomic to repair. It usually ends up in salvage auctions.

How Do I Find Out if a Car Has Been Scrapped?

You can learn if a car has been scrapped through the CarVeto database. Use a registration number to identify if a vehicle has reached end-of-life. Scrappage cars are usually over 10 years old or have suffered significant accident, fire, or flood damage, resulting in a Cat A or Cat B write-off.

What is a DVLA Write-Off Check?

DVLA written-off check is a notification to DVLA of a vehicle recorded with total loss by an insurance company. You must tell DVLA if your car has been written off or ask your insurer to make the declaration. Read DVLA Vehicle Information.

What is a Write-Off Declaration

A car write-off declaration notifies the owner or DVLA that a car is no longer roadworthy and that repair bills exceed market value.

Is Write-Off Included on the DVLA Logbook V5C?

Yes, a write-off category status is shown on the V5C registration document provided by the DVLA, which updates vehicle records after car owner or insurer notification.

Why are Older Cars Written Off More Than Newer Ones?

Older cars are written off more frequently than new ones because their values tend to be lower, making it more likely that repair costs will exceed value.

Is a Car Crash Check the Same as a Write-Off Check?

No, a write-off check focuses on permanent insurance markers, while a crash check may only identify prior physical damage.

Can I Buy My Written Off Car Back From My Insurance Company?

Yes, you can buy back your written off vehicle from your insurer depending on the extent of damage and write off category assigned.

Is it More Expensive to Insure a Cat S or N Car?

Yes, it is more expensive to insure a Category S or N vehicle. Some insurers refuse to insure cars with written-off status.

Types of Car Insurance Explained

What Happens When My Car Is Written Off and On Finance?

If your car is classed as a write-off and is under a finance agreement, you are still responsible for paying the remaining loan balance. The insurance payout will cover the outstanding finance. However, if the payout is less than the balance owed, you will need to pay the difference directly to the finance company.

To avoid costs, consider gap insurance, which covers the shortfall between the insurance payout and the remaining loan. Notify your finance provider immediately after your car is declared a write-off, as they will guide you through the next steps.

Can I Get a Free Car Write-Off Check?

No, you cannot get a free vehicle write-off check as data from the MIAFTR and MIB is costly. To buy a check, use a car registration number to access a premium report costing £8.90. See how to Check Car History for Free.