What Is a Car Write-Off?
Insurance Categories, Process and Payout
A car is written off when your insurer decides that repairing it is no longer economically or structurally viable.
This typically happens when the total cost of repairs, including recovery and admin fees, exceeds the car’s market value, or when the damage makes the vehicle unsafe to drive, even after repairs.
When this decision is made, the car is declared a total loss and assigned an official write-off category under UK insurance guidelines.
This affects the car’s legal status, resale potential, and future insurability.
Understanding how write-offs are classified and handled helps you make informed decisions during a claim or when evaluating a second-hand vehicle.
What You’ll Learn in This Guide
This guide gives you clear, practical answers to essential questions, including:
- What it means when a car is written off
- How Categories A, B, S, and N differ
- How insurers assess total loss
- What happens after your car is written off
- Whether you can keep, sell, or repair a written-off car
- Your legal, insurance, and DVLA responsibilities
- What Does Car Written Off Mean?
- Understanding Car Write-Off Categories in the UK
- Car Write-Off Process: From Claim to Resolution
- Managing Your Insurance After a Car Write-Off
- How Long Does Insurance Take to Pay Out After a Write-Off?
- What Happens if My Car Is Written Off on Finance?
- Can I Challenge a Write-Off Valuation?
- Buying a Write-Off Car
- Frequently Asked Questions About Car Write-Offs
What Does Car Written Off Mean?
A car is officially “written off” when your insurance provider declares it a total loss.
This means either:
- The cost of repairs exceeds the car’s market value, or
- The vehicle is too badly damaged to be safely returned to the road.
This decision is made after an inspection by an insurance assessor and follows strict safety and cost guidelines.
Once confirmed, the car is registered as a write-off in the Motor Insurance Anti-Fraud and Theft Register (MIAFTR) and given a category: A, B, S, or N.
The write-off status affects:
- Your insurance payout and claim process
- Whether you can retain the vehicle through a buy-back
- Its future MOT eligibility and DVLA status
- Market value and ease of resale
Importantly, not all write-offs are undrivable.
Many Category S and N cars are safely repaired and returned to the road, but they will always carry a write-off record in their history.
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Understanding Car Write-Off Categories in the UK
When your car is declared a total loss, your insurer must assign it a write-off category defined by the UK’s ABI Salvage Code.
This determines what happens next, whether the vehicle can be safely repaired, dismantled for parts, or must be scrapped completely.
These categories also determine:
- DVLA re-registration requirements
- Insurance eligibility
- Resale potential
- Whether it appears in databases like the MIAFTR or on a CarVeto vehicle history check
There are two main groups of categories: Current (post-2017) and Legacy (pre-2017).
Run a CarVeto Car Write-Off Check and examine vehicle history and status before you buy.
Current UK Write-Off Categories (Since 2017)
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What Is a Category A Car?
(Scrap Only – No Parts Salvage)
- Status: Irreparable, unsafe for any form of salvage.
- DVLA action: Vehicle must be deregistered and reported.
- Insurer's obligation: Must issue a Certificate of Destruction.
- Owner outcome: Cannot buy back or reclaim any parts.
- Legal note: Full crushing is mandatory. No component reuse is allowed.
Category A vehicles are typically written off after fires, severe impacts, or flood damage, where no part is deemed safe for reuse.
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What Is a Category B Car?
(Parts-Only – Cannot Be Resold Whole)
- Status: Structurally unrepairable but contains salvageable parts.
- Chassis: Must be crushed and cannot re-enter the road.
- Salvage: Only permitted through licensed dismantlers.
- Resale: Entire car resale is illegal, only components can be sold.
These cars can provide usable parts for other vehicles, but the shell must be destroyed.
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What Is a Category S Car?
(Repairable Structural Damage – Needs Re-Registration)
- Damage type: Chassis, crumple zones, suspension, areas that affect crash safety.
- DVLA requirement: Re-registration is legally required.
- Road use: Allowed after professional repair and safety checks.
- Insurance: Usually insurable once repaired and re-MOT'd.
- History: Will carry a permanent write-off marker recorded on the V5C logbook
Always check documentation and MOT history before buying a Cat S vehicle.
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What Is a Category N Car?
(Repairable – No Structural Damage)
- Damage type: Non-structural, e.g. electrics, interior, bodywork.
- Re-registration: Not required.
- DVLA: Must still be notified of write-off status.
- Repairability: High, often cosmetic only.
- Resale impact: Reduced value; buyer confidence varies.
- Insurability: Often accepted by insurers, but premiums may be higher.
Tip: Always check whether essential safety systems like airbags or ABS were affected.
Legacy UK Write-Off Categories (Pre-October 2017)
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What Is a Category C Car?
(Structural – Repair Cost > Vehicle Value)
- Replaced by: Category S
- Damage: Structural but repairable
- DVLA: Re-registration required
- Visibility: Still appears in older CarVeto, HPI insurance records
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What Is a Category D Car?
(Non-Structural – Total Cost > Value)
- Replaced by: Category N
- Damage type: Non-structural; cost exceeded value due to admin/logistics
- DVLA: No re-registration required
- Return to road: Legal with repairs
Common in: Older cars with minor damage but low market value
Summary: What a Write-Off Category Really Means
Each category reflects:
- The extent and type of damage
- What repairs are legally allowed
- Whether the DVLA must be involved
- If the vehicle is safe to return to the road
- Its impact on insurance, value, and resale
Understanding these codes is essential when:
- Filing a claim
- Buying a used car
- Checking vehicle history
- Comparing written-off vehicles for resale or parts
Car Write-Off Process: From Claim to Resolution
If your car is damaged in an accident and a claim is filed, your insurer follows a step-by-step process to determine whether repairs are viable or if the vehicle must be written off.
This process affects your payout, legal obligations, and the potential to retain or replace the car.
The Write-Off Workflow
- Submit a Claim
Provide your insurer with the accident details, photos, and your vehicle’s V5C logbook. - Damage Inspection
An approved engineer inspects the car for visible and structural damage. - Market Valuation
The insurer estimates the car’s value before the accident based on condition, mileage, and market data. - Cost Comparison
Repair and administrative costs are compared against the car’s current market value. - Write-Off Decision
If the cost to repair exceeds the car’s value or if it’s no longer legally safe, the vehicle is written off. - Assigning a Category
The insurer classifies the vehicle under one of four categories (A, B, S, or N), based on damage severity and future road use. - Reporting
The write-off is reported to the DVLA and entered into the Motor Insurance Anti-Fraud and Theft Register (MIAFTR). - Settlement Offer
A payout is offered based on the car’s market value minus your policy excess. - Disposal or Retention
- Category A/B: The car is scrapped; it cannot be retained.
- Category S/N: You may buy back the car and repair it legally, if you choose.
What Happens When Your Car Is Written Off?
After a write-off is confirmed:
Insurer Responsibilities:
- Takes legal ownership (unless you retain a Cat S or N vehicle)
- Issues a settlement and, if applicable, arranges scrappage or salvage sale
Your Responsibilities:
- Return the V5C logbook (keep the yellow trade slip for records)
- Notify the DVLA of the write-off via post or online
- If keeping the vehicle (Cat S/N), request a duplicate logbook via DVLA Form V62
Cat S and N vehicles may be repaired and returned to the road, but carry a permanent write-off record in systems like CarVeto.
What to Do When a Car Is Written Off?
Your immediate steps:
- Review the payout offer
Compare the valuation with trusted pricing sources to ensure it’s accurate. - Decide whether to retain the car
For Cat S or N vehicles, weigh up repair costs and future resale value. - Notify the DVLA
Reporting the write-off is a legal requirement. - Retain your number plate
Apply before the vehicle is scrapped or transferred. - Handle any outstanding finance
Speak with your finance provider to settle or restructure any remaining balance. - Challenge the valuation if needed
Present comparable listings or request an independent assessment from a qualified engineer.
When Will an Insurance Company Write Off a Car?
An insurer will write off a car when repair and associated costs exceed the vehicle’s pre-accident market value, or when the car is no longer safe or legal to drive, even if repairs are technically possible.
What influences the decision?
- Parts and labour costs
- Administrative or recovery charges
- Pre-existing wear or depreciation
- Valuation from trade-standard pricing tools
Most insurers complete the assessment and assign a write-off category within 7 to 14 days of the claim being submitted.
Check the written-off status of your car with our Vehicle Registration Verification.
Managing Your Insurance After a Car Write-Off
When your vehicle is declared a total loss and a payout is made, your insurance policy typically ends.
What happens next depends on whether you keep the vehicle, replace it, or cancel cover entirely.
Key policy outcomes
- Your insurance policy is usually cancelled once the settlement is issued.
- Temporary replacement vehicle cover, if included, generally ends 7 to 14 days after the write-off.
- If you retain a Category S or N car, notify your insurer of its new status. Some providers may offer cover after an inspection; others may refuse to insure written-off vehicles.
What you should do next
- Notify the DVLA of the vehicle’s write-off classification.
- Cancel any direct debits if no replacement vehicle is being insured.
- Arrange new cover before driving again, especially if you’re keeping and repairing the vehicle.
- Confirm with any new insurer that they accept written-off vehicles.
- Be prepared for possible premium increases when taking out future policies.
Do You Get a Refund on Your Insurance Policy?
Refund eligibility depends on how you paid for your policy and the current status of the claim.
If you paid annually
- You may receive a refund for unused coverage, minus cancellation or admin fees.
- Refunds are typically only issued if there are no further active claims after the payout.
If you pay monthly
- Outstanding monthly instalments may still be due.
- Most insurers deduct these from the final payout.
- The policy is closed once the balance is paid or settled from the claim.
Other considerations
- Policy excess is always subtracted from your payout and is not refundable.
- Add-ons like legal expenses or breakdown cover are rarely refunded.
- If you insure a replacement vehicle with the same provider, any credit may be applied to the new policy.
Tip: Always request written confirmation of policy cancellation and check for auto-renewals or remaining charges.
How Long Does Insurance Take to Pay Out After a Write-Off?
In most UK cases, insurers complete write-off payouts within 7 to 28 days after a claim is submitted.
The exact timeline depends on the speed of assessment, how quickly a write-off category is assigned, and how promptly you accept the insurer’s settlement offer.
Typical Payout Timeline
Day 1 – Submit the claim
Report the accident and send supporting documents — including the vehicle logbook (V5C), damage photos, and any requested quotes.
Days 2–5 – Vehicle inspection
A certified engineer inspects the car to confirm the extent of damage and whether it qualifies as a total loss.
Days 5–10 – Valuation and categorisation
Your insurer determines the car’s pre-accident market value and assigns a write-off category (A, B, S, or N).
Days 10–15 – Settlement offer
You receive a payout proposal, reflecting market value minus your policy excess.
Days 15–28 – Payment issued
Funds are transferred to your bank account or finance provider, depending on ownership status.
What Affects the Speed of Payment?
Claim completeness
Missing documentation, unclear accident reports, or delays in submitting forms can slow the process.
Vehicle retention decisions
Opting to keep a Category S or N vehicle often adds time due to inspection or repair documentation.
Outstanding finance
For financed vehicles, payouts are first sent to the lender. Any remaining funds are then transferred to you.
Disputing the valuation
Challenging the insurer’s payout figure can add days or weeks, depending on response time and required evidence.
How to Get Paid Faster
- Submit all documents early — including the V5C, photos, and repair quotes if available.
- Stay in contact — check with your insurer to confirm receipt and processing status.
- Respond promptly — accept or dispute the payout offer without delay to avoid administrative hold-ups.
Confirm payment method — choose bank transfer to speed up disbursement.
What Happens if My Car Is Written Off on Finance?
If your car is under finance and written off, the insurance payout is sent directly to the lender, not to you.
This payment is based on your car’s market value at the time of the accident, not on how much you still owe.
If there’s a shortfall, you’re responsible for covering the difference.
What to Expect When a Financed Car Is Written Off
- Insurer assesses the value
Your insurer calculates the car’s current market value using its condition, mileage, and recent sales data. - Payout goes to your lender
The full settlement is transferred to your finance provider (HP or PCP agreements). - Check for outstanding balance
If the remaining finance exceeds the payout, you must repay the difference — this is known as a shortfall. - Keep making payments
Continue monthly payments until the finance is fully cleared or a new arrangement is agreed with the lender.
What If You Used a Personal Loan?
If you used a personal loan to buy the car (not HP or PCP), the payout goes to you, not the lender. You are still responsible for repaying the loan in full.
GAP Insurance: Covers the Shortfall
Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP) insurance helps cover the difference between your car’s insurance payout and the amount you still owe.
It only applies if:
- You purchased GAP when buying or financing the vehicle
- The write-off happens within the policy period
- Your finance balance exceeds the insurer’s valuation
Without GAP, any shortfall is your financial responsibility, even if the accident wasn’t your fault.
What You Need to Do
- Contact your finance provider as soon as the car is written off
- Do not stop your monthly payments unless your lender confirms the account is settled
- Review all settlement statements from both the insurer and lender carefully
- If taking out finance in future, consider adding GAP insurance at the point of sale
Verify with a Car Finance Check now.
Can I Challenge a Write-Off Valuation?
Yes, you’re entitled to challenge a write-off valuation if you believe your insurer has undervalued your car.
Insurers often rely on automated tools that may overlook key features, upgrades, or exceptional conditions.
Don’t just accept the first offer; you can push for a fair payout.
Reasons to Dispute a Write-Off Payout
A valuation may miss factors such as:
- Factory-fitted extras or high-spec trim
- Recent servicing, premium tyres, or mechanical work
- Outstanding cosmetic condition
- Regional price differences or limited vehicle availability
These can meaningfully affect market value.
How to Dispute a Car Insurance Valuation
1. Collect Comparable Listings
Gather at least three examples from reputable UK platforms like AutoTrader, Parkers, or Motors.co.uk. Listings should closely match your car’s year, mileage, and specs.
2. Gather Supporting Evidence
Provide service records, invoices for upgrades, and recent photos of the vehicle. This helps show your car was worth more than the initial assessment.
3. Submit a Written Appeal
Write to your insurer’s valuation team with a structured request. Explain the undervaluation and attach your evidence. Ask clearly for a reassessment.
4. Use a Professional Assessor
In higher-value or borderline cases, consider hiring a qualified vehicle engineer for an independent written valuation.
5. Escalate if Needed
If the issue remains unresolved after 8 weeks (or you’ve had a final written response), contact the Financial Ombudsman Service. It’s free and impartial.
What Happens Next?
- Revised offers typically follow within 7–14 days of receiving evidence
- Independent reports carry strong influence in borderline cases
- Most disputes resolve without the need for escalation
Buying a Write-Off Car
Not all written-off vehicles are destined for the scrapyard. Category S (structural damage) and Category N (non-structural damage) cars can legally return to the road once repaired.
Still, they have long-term implications for safety, resale, and insurance.
Before buying:
- Check the write-off category — Cat S requires DVLA re-registration; Cat N does not
- Review all repair records — Look for engineer assessments, part replacements, and workshop receipts
- Run a CarVeto history check — Verify MOT status, mileage, and previous damage dates.
- Confirm insurance availability — Some providers won’t cover Cat S or N vehicles
Use your report for a VIN Code Lookup that verifies VIN and engine numbers.
Should I Buy a Cat S Car?
Cat S cars have sustained structural damage but are repairable. Damage may include the chassis, crumple zones, or suspension.
- Must be re-registered with the DVLA post-repair
- Repair quality directly affects safety and resale
- Insurance may be limited or cost more
Buy if: The repairs are professionally completed, documentation is thorough, and an engineer confirms structural safety.
Should I Buy a Cat N Car?
Cat N vehicles only have superficial or mechanical damage, not structural damage.
- No DVLA re-registration needed
- Typical damage includes electrics, panels, or interior components
- Usually cheaper to repair and insure than Cat S
- Still shows as a write-off on history reports
Buy if: Safety systems (e.g. ABS, airbags) are intact or properly replaced, and repair records are complete.
See further notes on What is a Cat N Car.
Can You Insure a Written-Off Car?
Yes, but insurers vary in their approach to Cat S and N vehicles.
- Disclosure is mandatory; failing to report the status can void your policy
- Not all insurers accept written-off cars
- Premiums are often higher, especially for Cat S
- Specialist brokers are more likely to offer competitive cover
Confirm coverage before purchase to avoid issues.
Run a Motor Insurance Bureau check via our database.
Can I Sell a Written-Off Car?
Yes, but full disclosure is legally required.
- Cat A: Must be destroyed — no resale or parts allowed
- Cat B: Can be broken for parts — the shell must be scrapped
- Cat S/N: Can be sold if roadworthy and repairs are documented
Selling without disclosing the write-off status is illegal and can invalidate future insurance.
Can I Buy Back My Written-Off Car?
Yes, for Category S or Category N vehicles.
- Your insurer deducts the salvage value from your payout
- You’re responsible for all repairs and road compliance
- Cat S must be re-registered with the DVLA
- Cat A and B vehicles cannot be bought back
Ask about buy-back early in the claim process. Once sold to a salvage yard or crushed, it cannot be retrieved.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accident Write-Offs
In insurance terms, a total loss means the cost to repair a vehicle exceeds its market value, or it's too damaged to drive safely. The insurer pays a settlement, and the car is usually classified into a write-off category.
A total loss is a financial designation from insurers, while salvage refers to a physical outcome. Salvage vehicles may be dismantled (Cat A/B) or repaired (Cat S/N), whereas total loss defines the threshold for write-off.
UK write-off categories include Cat A (scrap only), Cat B (parts salvage), Cat S (structural damage, repairable), and Cat N (non-structural, repairable). These determine road eligibility, resale rules, and DVLA obligations.
An HPI or CarVeto check reveals if a car has been written off (Cat A–N), stolen, has finance owed, or shows mileage inconsistencies. It’s a critical tool before buying any used or repaired vehicle.
Inspect a vehicle with CarVeto’s Free HPI Car Check.
Use a car history service like CarVeto to check for theft records and write-off status. Enter the vehicle's registration to uncover insurance claims, DVLA category, and MOT or mileage anomalies.
Conduct a Police Stolen Vehicle Check.
A salvage certificate proves the vehicle has been declared a total loss in the UK. A salvage title is used in other jurisdictions (like the US) and serves a similar purpose for export or import cars.
The V23 form is used to inform the DVLA that a vehicle has been written off and retained. It’s necessary when buying back a Cat S or Cat N car and requesting a new V5C logbook after repair.
No. Once a car is recorded as Category N, that designation is permanent. Even after repairs and an MOT, the Cat N write-off remains in the vehicle’s history, affecting its future value and insurability.
Motorcycles follow the same categories as cars: Cat A, Cat B, Cat S, and Cat N. These categories reflect the extent of damage and whether the bike can be legally repaired and returned to the road.
A Cat N write-off typically reduces resale value by 30% to 50%. The exact amount depends on the car’s age, model, repair quality, and market demand. Buyers often expect a discount due to perceived risk.