About a CarVeto Check
A CarVeto Check is a full UK car check and vehicle history check designed to reveal over 50 essential data points about a used vehicle.
From write‑off categories and outstanding finance to MOT history, recalls, and police theft markers.
Every CarVeto car check brings together the data you need to make a safe, confident purchase.
Write-Off and Insurance Date in a CarVeto Check
CarVeto checks reveal whether a vehicle has ever been classified as written off by an insurance company.
This information comes directly from the MIAFTR database (Motor Insurance Anti-Fraud and Theft Register), which records UK vehicles that have been declared a total loss.
Before 1 October 2017, write-off categories were A, B, C and D. Since that date, the system changed to A, B, S and N.
- Category A – Total loss, no salvageable parts.
- Category B – Total loss, some salvageable parts.
- Category C – Vehicle suffered damage but is repairable (more severe than Category D).
- Category D – Vehicle suffered damage but is repairable.
- Category S – Structural damage, but the vehicle is repairable (replaced the old Cat C).
- Category N – Non-structural damage, the vehicle is repairable (replaced the old Cat D).
Knowing a car’s write-off category helps buyers understand the extent and nature of the damage it sustained — and whether it should ever return to the road.
Meaning of Each Write-Off Category
Each write-off category has a specific meaning for insurers and buyers. This table explains what each classification actually means for a vehicle’s future use.
Category A | Category B | Category C | Category D |
|---|---|---|---|
The vehicle has suffered extreme damage and the insurance company deemed the vehicle irreparable with little to no salvageable parts. | The vehicle has suffered significant damage and the insurance company deemed the vehicle irreparable but did have some salvageable parts. | This vehicle was deemed repairable, however, the cost of accident damage repair was greater than the value of the vehicle. For economic reasons, the insurance company chose to not repair the vehicle. | This vehicle was deemed repairable, however, the cost of repair was greater than the value of the car. For economic reasons the insurance company chose to not repair the vehicle. |
Why an Insurer May Not Choose to Repair the Vehicle
Not all write-offs mean a car is unsafe — some are simply too expensive to fix. This table shows the reasons insurance companies apply each write-off category.
Category A | Category B | Category C | Category D |
|---|---|---|---|
The insurance company representative concluded damage to the vehicle was too extensive and deemed un-repairable. There is little to no salvageable parts. | The insurance company representative concluded damage to the vehicle was too extensive and deemed un-repairable. However, there is some value and salvageable parts. | The insurance company representative regarded the vehicle repairable, but the costs to repair were greater than the Pre Accident Damage Value of the vehicle. The Category C classification is not an indication that the vehicle is unroadworthy but the insurance company chose to not make a repair for economic reasons. | The insurance company representative regarded the vehicle repairable, but the costs to repair remained significant (more than 50% of the Pre Accident Damage Value). The Category D classification is not an indication that the vehicle is unroadworthy but the insurance company chose to not make a repair for economic reasons. |
The Scale of Accident Damage
The level of damage varies widely by write-off category. This table outlines the typical damage seen for each category.
Category A | Category B | Category C | Category D |
|---|---|---|---|
This vehicle suffered extreme damage, for example, significant bodyshell, frame or chassis damage, water damage submerged, burnt out, fully destroyed. The insurance company, therefore, consider the vehicle to be of zero (NIL) value. | This vehicle suffered extreme damage, for example, significant bodyshell, frame or chassis damage, water damage submerged, burnt out, fully destroyed. The insurance company considers the vehicle to have some value as salvageable parts (a value of more than £50 is typical). | Classification Category C is more ambiguous and the levels of damage may vary considerably. For example, damage may be significant (not structural) on a vehicle that is relatively new. However, an older car may have suffered far less damage. Category C is regarded as an economical, constructed total loss classification. It means that the insurance company opted to not repair the vehicle for economic reasons. | Classification Category D levels of damage may vary significantly. Damage may be significant (not structural) on a vehicle that is relatively new. However, an older car may have suffered far less damage. A CAT D is regarded as an economical, constructed total loss classification. It means that the insurance company opted to not repair the vehicle for economic reasons. |
For a deeper explanation of what each write-off category means in practice, see our Cat Write-Off Guide.
Category Classifications After 1st October 2017
For vehicles written off after 1st October 2017, a classification of A, B, S or N is now allocated. Go here for a car Write Off Check via this database.
Summary
Category A – Total Loss (no salvageable parts)
Category B – Total Loss (some salvageable parts)
Category S – Vehicle has suffered damaged structurally, the vehicle is repairable. Go here for Cat S Car details.
Category N – Vehicle has suffered damage, damage to the vehicle has been noted as NON-structural, the vehicle is repairable
The Meaning of the Newer Write-Off Category Types
After 1 October 2017, the UK write‑off system changed to categories A, B, S and N.
The table below explains exactly what each modern write‑off classification means for insurers, buyers, and the vehicle itself.
Category A (SCRAP) | Category B (BREAK) | Category S (STRUCTURAL) | Category N (NON-STRUCTURAL) |
|---|---|---|---|
The insurance company representative concluded vehicle damage that was beyond reasonable repair or deemed unusable. This vehicle is to be destroyed/crushed entirely. This vehicle is unsuitable for repair and the entire vehicle including all of its parts must be crushed. Thereafter, the vehicle will be classed as waste. | The insurance company representative concluded vehicle damage that was beyond reasonable repair or deemed unusable. This vehicle is unsuitable for repair but useable parts can be recycled. Thereafter, the vehicle will be classed as waste. | The insurance company representative has deemed the vehicle suitable for repair. The vehicle is repairable, has sustained damage to any parts of the structural chassis and/or frame and the owner or insured driver has chosen to not repair the vehicle. | The insurance company representative has deemed the vehicle suitable for repair. The vehicle is repairable, has not sustained damage to any parts of the structural chassis and/or frame and the owner or insured driver has chosen to not repair the vehicle. Although non-structural damage has been confirmed, critical items/parts may still need to be replaced. This includes items such as suspension and steering etc. |
Stolen Vehicle and Theft Recovery Data
CarVeto checks reveal whether a vehicle has been recorded as stolen or recovered after theft.
This information comes from two official sources:
- The Police National Computer (PNC) records all UK vehicles reported stolen.
- The MIAFTR database – flags vehicles involved in theft insurance claims.
When a vehicle is reported stolen by an insurer or the police, a theft marker is placed on it.
If the car is later recovered, the database updates, but it may still carry a history of being a stolen/recovered vehicle, which can impact its value and insurability.
Learn more about what’s included in the Stolen Vehicle Register for detailed theft marker guidance.
The Type of Theft Marker
The type of loss | Theft/Stolen | Category B (BREAK) |
|---|---|---|
A theft marker was recorded against the vehicle on the provided date, although this does not mean the vehicle remains as stolen. | A theft marker was recorded against the vehicle, but it was recovered on the provided date. Upon recovery of the vehicle, it was deemed a total loss by the insurance company. For further information, see the category descriptions. |
Outstanding Finance Data in a CarVeto Check
CarVeto checks reveal if a vehicle has any outstanding finance agreements recorded against it.
Many used cars in the UK are purchased on finance plans, such as Hire Purchase, Personal Contract Purchase (PCP), or Lease Agreements. In these cases, the lender (finance company) technically owns the vehicle until the loan is settled.
If a car with active finance is sold without the finance being paid off, the finance company can repossess the vehicle, leaving the buyer without the car and out of pocket.
CarVeto reports display:
- Whether the vehicle has outstanding finance
- Which finance company has a registered interest
- Contact details for that company (so buyers can confirm if the debt is cleared)
Learn more about Buying a Car With Outstanding Finance.
Who Provides the Finance Data?
Outstanding Finance Data is provided by Experian Ltd. Experian Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Experian Ltd is registered in England and Wales under company registration number 653331. Registered office address: The Sir John Peace Building, Experian Way, NG2 Business Park, Nottingham, NG80 1ZZ.
Vehicle Specification Data in a CarVeto Check
CarVeto checks include detailed Car Specifications data taken directly from the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency).
This dataset provides core information about the vehicle’s build, features, and history — helping buyers confirm that the car they’re viewing matches its official records.
CarVeto reports display over 40 specification data points, including:
- V5C Issue Date – verifies the logbook issue.
- Scrapped / Unscrapped Status – shows whether the car was marked as scrapped, and if that status was later removed.
- Plate Changes – records if the car has had registration plate changes.
- Imported / Exported Status – indicates if the vehicle has been registered abroad.
- Colour Changes – confirms whether the DVLA was notified of any paint colour updates.
Every vehicle check pulls this data together to flag inconsistencies, which is crucial for spotting cloned, stolen, or tampered vehicles.
There are 47 provided data fields within the offered dataset. The DVLA bulk data-set information for more details: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/bulk-data-set-information-for-vehicle-buyers
Fuel Economy & CO₂ Emissions Data in a CarVeto Check
CarVeto checks include fuel economy and CO₂ emissions data sourced directly from the VCA (Vehicle Certification Agency).
This dataset provides official information on:
- Fuel economy ratings (MPG)
- CO₂ emissions
- Estimated running costs
All of this information is licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0 and presented in an easy‑to‑read format in every CarVeto vehicle check.
Manufacturer Recall Data for Vehicle Safety
CarVeto checks include manufacturer recall data provided by the VCA (Vehicle Certification Agency) under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
This dataset flags safety recalls issued by manufacturers for specific makes, models, or vehicle types.
Knowing if a car has an outstanding recall is essential, as these recalls often relate to:
- Mechanical faults
- Electrical issues
- Safety‑critical components like airbags, brakes, or steering
A CarVeto vehicle history check highlights these recalls, helping buyers confirm whether the necessary repairs have been carried out before purchase.
Geo-Location Vehicle Crime Data in a CarVeto Check
CarVeto checks include geo‑location vehicle crime data sourced directly from UK police forces via the Police UK API.
When you run a CarVeto check, you can enter a postcode, city, or street name. The report will return a map showing the volume of vehicle crimes reported in that area.
The dataset includes:
- Location of the incident
- Date of the crime
- Outcome where available
This gives buyers an extra layer of insight into local vehicle crime trends before deciding to purchase in a particular area.
MOT Data in a CarVeto Check
CarVeto checks include MOT history data sourced directly from the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
This dataset covers both current and historic MOT test records, including:
- MOT advisory notices
- Pass and fail results
- Reasons for any MOT failures
Each CarVeto report also shows the recorded mileage at the time of every MOT, which helps confirm whether the vehicle’s odometer reading is genuine.
This mileage verification step is essential for spotting potential clocked vehicles and making safe, informed buying decisions.
Learn more about what our MOT History Search covers and how it helps verify mileage.
What Does a CarVeto Check Mean for You?
A CarVeto Check brings together more than 50 critical data points from trusted UK sources — including the DVLA, DVSA, police databases, finance companies, and insurance industry registers.
From write‑off categories and stolen vehicle data to MOT history, recalls, and outstanding finance information, every CarVeto report compiles the facts you need to make an informed, confident decision when buying a used vehicle.
Start with a free Registration Check to see the basics instantly, and upgrade to a full vehicle history check for the complete picture before you buy.