Advice
What is a Cat A, Cat B, Cat S or Cat N write-off? (2025)
Learn the difference between Category S and Category N cars, whether you can drive them after they’ve been written off and what you should consider before buying one.
Words by: Andrew Woodhouse
Last updated on 3 January 2025 | 0 min read
If you're shopping for a used car, you might see cars classed as Category S (Cat S) or Category N (Cat N). These cars are insurance write-offs, which means the cost of repairing vehicle is higher than the actual cash value of the vehicle.
But, unlike the severely damaged Cat A and Cat B vehicles, Cat S and Cat N vehicles offer a unique opportunity—they’ve suffered damage, but many have been repaired and deemed roadworthy again. So, should you be cautious or curious? We’ll go into detail below, but as an overview: • Cat S involves structural damage, like the chassis or crumple zones. • Cat N covers non-structural damage, such as bumpers or engine parts. If they've been properly repaired and meet safety standards, then you an drive these vehicles – but always check before you commit to buying. Let's go into more detail: • What are write-off insurance categories? • How to tell if a car is a write-off • What’s the difference between Category S and N? • What were Category C and D cars? • Should I buy a Category S or N car? • Are Cat S or Cat N cars more expensive to insure? • Auto Trader’s insurance category checks
But, unlike the severely damaged Cat A and Cat B vehicles, Cat S and Cat N vehicles offer a unique opportunity—they’ve suffered damage, but many have been repaired and deemed roadworthy again. So, should you be cautious or curious? We’ll go into detail below, but as an overview: • Cat S involves structural damage, like the chassis or crumple zones. • Cat N covers non-structural damage, such as bumpers or engine parts. If they've been properly repaired and meet safety standards, then you an drive these vehicles – but always check before you commit to buying. Let's go into more detail: • What are write-off insurance categories? • How to tell if a car is a write-off • What’s the difference between Category S and N? • What were Category C and D cars? • Should I buy a Category S or N car? • Are Cat S or Cat N cars more expensive to insure? • Auto Trader’s insurance category checks
What are write-off insurance categories?
A ‘write-off’ is a vehicle that’s sustained so much damage that it’s either unsafe to drive (Cat A and B) or the cost of repairs outweighs the car’s worth (Cat S and N).
After an accident, your insurer will assess the damage. If repair costs exceed around 50% of the car's value, they may declare it a write-off, assigning it a Cat A, B, S, or N label. When your car is written off, ownership transfers to the insurer, and you receive a payout. For Cat A and B vehicles, you cannot buy them back or legally repair them, as they’re considered irreparable. However, Category N cars can be sold and driven if they have been repaired. Category S cars can also be sold and driven if they have been repaired and re-registered with the DVLA The four insurance write-off categories are: • Category A: cars which should be for scrap only, including salvageable parts. No parts of these cars can re-appear on the road – not even the bits that still technically work. • Category B: cars which have significant damage, though salvageable parts could be used in other vehicles. • Category S: cars which have structural damage that will need professional repair before they are safe to drive. • Category N: cars that may have cosmetic or non-structural faults (like brakes and electrics) that need professional work before they’re safe to drive. Category A and Category B cars are so badly damaged, Auto Trader will not allow them to be advertised for sale, and strongly advise you not to buy one.
After an accident, your insurer will assess the damage. If repair costs exceed around 50% of the car's value, they may declare it a write-off, assigning it a Cat A, B, S, or N label. When your car is written off, ownership transfers to the insurer, and you receive a payout. For Cat A and B vehicles, you cannot buy them back or legally repair them, as they’re considered irreparable. However, Category N cars can be sold and driven if they have been repaired. Category S cars can also be sold and driven if they have been repaired and re-registered with the DVLA The four insurance write-off categories are: • Category A: cars which should be for scrap only, including salvageable parts. No parts of these cars can re-appear on the road – not even the bits that still technically work. • Category B: cars which have significant damage, though salvageable parts could be used in other vehicles. • Category S: cars which have structural damage that will need professional repair before they are safe to drive. • Category N: cars that may have cosmetic or non-structural faults (like brakes and electrics) that need professional work before they’re safe to drive. Category A and Category B cars are so badly damaged, Auto Trader will not allow them to be advertised for sale, and strongly advise you not to buy one.
What is a Cat A write-off?
A Cat A car is so severely damaged that it must be completely scrapped. It cannot be repaired or used for parts, and the entire vehicle is destroyed.
What is a Cat B write-off?
A Cat B car has extensive damage and cannot be repaired for road use, but some parts can be salvaged. The body shell must be crushed, but components like the engine and gearbox can be reused in other vehicles.
For more details, read our guide to insurance categories.
For more details, read our guide to insurance categories.
How to find out whether a car has been written-off
The easiest way to tell if a car has been written off is to get a vehicle history check.
This will give you the key information you need, including whether a vehicle has ever been written off, the mileage, the number of previous owners and more. If the vehicle you check is revealed to have been written off (Cat A and B only) or scrapped, we’ll give you another vehicle check for free.
This will give you the key information you need, including whether a vehicle has ever been written off, the mileage, the number of previous owners and more. If the vehicle you check is revealed to have been written off (Cat A and B only) or scrapped, we’ll give you another vehicle check for free.
What’s the difference between Category S and Category N?
Both Category S and N cars can be repaired and put back on the road, but there are some differences between the two.
Category S (Cat S) explained
Cat S meaning
Category S vehicles have suffered structural damage and have been written off by the insurer as they were “uneconomical to repair”. This damage could be to any part of the vehicle's structural frame, including the chassis.
Can Cat S cars be driven?
Yes, Category S cars can be driven after all repairs have been made and the car is deemed safe and roadworthy. After repairs, Cat S cars need to be re-registered with the DVLA before they go back on the roads, so check for this in the paperwork before you buy.
Cat S (structural damage) examples
This category involves significant damage to the vehicle's structural integrity. The vehicle is considered repairable but requires substantial work to be safe for the road again.
1. Damage to the car's chassis or frame, affecting the vehicle’s structure. 2. Parts of the car's frame have been bent or crushed, requiring professional realignment or replacement. 3. Damage to the suspension system that may have impacted the vehicle’s structural safety. 4. Severe damage to the roof, possibly from a rollover accident. 5. Significant damage to the B-pillar (the structural post between the front and rear doors), which is crucial to the car's safety cell. 6. Damage where the engine is mounted to the vehicle, affecting the structural stability. 7. The floor pan has been bent or compromised, requiring extensive repairs. 8. Severe front or rear-end collisions causing structural deformation. 9. Damage to the A-pillar (the post between the windshield and the front door), which can affect the roof structure and windshield alignment.
1. Damage to the car's chassis or frame, affecting the vehicle’s structure. 2. Parts of the car's frame have been bent or crushed, requiring professional realignment or replacement. 3. Damage to the suspension system that may have impacted the vehicle’s structural safety. 4. Severe damage to the roof, possibly from a rollover accident. 5. Significant damage to the B-pillar (the structural post between the front and rear doors), which is crucial to the car's safety cell. 6. Damage where the engine is mounted to the vehicle, affecting the structural stability. 7. The floor pan has been bent or compromised, requiring extensive repairs. 8. Severe front or rear-end collisions causing structural deformation. 9. Damage to the A-pillar (the post between the windshield and the front door), which can affect the roof structure and windshield alignment.
Is a Cat S car safe to drive?
A Cat S car can be safe to drive after being professionally repaired. It must pass safety inspections before returning to the road, and its structural integrity needs to be safe.
Can you get insurance for a Cat S car?
Yes, you can get insurance for a Cat S car, but premiums may be higher, and not all insurers may cover it. Be sure to disclose its Cat S status to the insurer – failure to do so could be insurance fraud.
Category N (Cat N) explained
Cat N meaning
Category N vehicles have suffered non-structural damage – this could be to the brakes, steering, electrics, safety-features, or even just cosmetic damage. Cat N cars have also been written off by the insurer as they were uneconomical to repair, but the vehicle's structural frame or chassis did not suffer any damage.
Can Cat N cars be driven?
Category N vehicles have suffered non-structural damage – this could be to the brakes, steering, electrics, safety-features, or even just cosmetic damage. Cat N cars have also been written off by the insurer as they were uneconomical to repair, but the vehicle's structural frame or chassis did not suffer any damage.
Cat N (non-structural damage) examples
This category involves non-structural damage, meaning the vehicle's frame is intact, but the car still requires repairs that are uneconomical for an insurance company.
1. Cosmetic damage to the body panels, such as dents, scratches, or minor bumper damage. 2. Electrical issues, for example wiring problems, which are costly but not structural. 3. Significant damage to the interior, such as torn seats, damaged dashboards, or water damage to the interior components. 4. Damage to non-structural suspension components like the control arms or shocks. 5. Issues with the engine or gearbox that do not affect the structural integrity but are expensive to fix. 6. Damage to the windows or windscreen, such as cracks or complete breakage. 7. Water damage that has affected the electrics or interior but hasn’t damaged the frame or structural components. 8. Non-structural damage to the wheels or axle that requires replacement but doesn’t affect the frame. 9. Damage to the exhaust system or catalytic converter that doesn’t compromise the structure. 10. Cosmetic fire damage that has affected parts of the car, like the paintwork or interior but hasn’t compromised the vehicle's structural integrity.
1. Cosmetic damage to the body panels, such as dents, scratches, or minor bumper damage. 2. Electrical issues, for example wiring problems, which are costly but not structural. 3. Significant damage to the interior, such as torn seats, damaged dashboards, or water damage to the interior components. 4. Damage to non-structural suspension components like the control arms or shocks. 5. Issues with the engine or gearbox that do not affect the structural integrity but are expensive to fix. 6. Damage to the windows or windscreen, such as cracks or complete breakage. 7. Water damage that has affected the electrics or interior but hasn’t damaged the frame or structural components. 8. Non-structural damage to the wheels or axle that requires replacement but doesn’t affect the frame. 9. Damage to the exhaust system or catalytic converter that doesn’t compromise the structure. 10. Cosmetic fire damage that has affected parts of the car, like the paintwork or interior but hasn’t compromised the vehicle's structural integrity.
Is a Cat N car safe to drive?
A Cat N car is generally safe to drive once repaired, as the damage is non-structural. It’s important to ensure all necessary repairs are done properly.
Can you get insurance for a Cat N car?
Yes, you can get insurance for a Cat N car, but like Cat S vehicles, the premiums might be higher. Full disclosure of the Cat N classification is required for coverage.
Note
Some sellers may try to sell Category S or Category N cars as non-damaged. If you buy one without realising, you may be paying over the odds for it. We advise you to research thoroughly and with due diligence before committing to buy a used car.
What were Category C and Category D cars?
Category C and Category D cars are no longer used to classify write-offs. Cat S replaced Cat C, and Cat N replaced Cat D in October 2017.
The new Cat S and Cat N categories focus more on the condition of the car rather than the cost of repairing it, according to The Association of British Insurers (ABI). Categories C and D used to be decided by the insurance-estimated cost of repair: • Category C meant the vehicle’s repair costs were more than the car’s value • Category D meant the vehicle was less expensive to repair than replace. But as cars became more intricate, the repair bills grew and so it was more likely that they’d be written off. This wasn’t sustainable or accurate after a point, so the two new categories were introduced. That said, vehicles categorised as a Cat C or Cat D prior to 1 October 2017 will remain a Cat C or Cat D - which is why you may still see cars advertised with this category. It’s ok to buy a car that’s Category C, D, S or N. In all cases, they reflect a car that was repairable, but the insurers chose not to - probably because they thought it was cheaper to replace the car than repair it.
The new Cat S and Cat N categories focus more on the condition of the car rather than the cost of repairing it, according to The Association of British Insurers (ABI). Categories C and D used to be decided by the insurance-estimated cost of repair: • Category C meant the vehicle’s repair costs were more than the car’s value • Category D meant the vehicle was less expensive to repair than replace. But as cars became more intricate, the repair bills grew and so it was more likely that they’d be written off. This wasn’t sustainable or accurate after a point, so the two new categories were introduced. That said, vehicles categorised as a Cat C or Cat D prior to 1 October 2017 will remain a Cat C or Cat D - which is why you may still see cars advertised with this category. It’s ok to buy a car that’s Category C, D, S or N. In all cases, they reflect a car that was repairable, but the insurers chose not to - probably because they thought it was cheaper to replace the car than repair it.
Should I buy a Category S or Category N car?
This will be down to personal preference and the type of damage. If a car has been deemed roadworthy, it should be safe to drive. That said, research thoroughly and consider the following as a minimum:
• Always make sure the car has been properly repaired • Before you buy it, ask to see documentary evidence of what happened to the car and what repairs it has had • Consider having a third-party inspection done to give it the all-clear • Also check how much it will cost to insure, as some insurance companies will charge more for Cat S or Cat N cars, and others won’t cover them at all Remember, as with any car, there’s no guarantee the car will remain roadworthy – it’ll still need servicing and regular MOTs. Find out if the Cat S or N car’s faults are likely to reoccur, and how much they’ll cost to put right if they do. Cat S and Cat N cars can be a lot cheaper to buy than an equivalent non-written off car. Bear in mind, just as it was cheaper to buy in the first place, it’ll be worth less when you come to sell it. Insurers will often sell Cat S and Cat N cars on for salvage, which is when someone else may choose to repair the car. If the car is repaired properly, there’s no reason you shouldn’t buy and run it.
• Always make sure the car has been properly repaired • Before you buy it, ask to see documentary evidence of what happened to the car and what repairs it has had • Consider having a third-party inspection done to give it the all-clear • Also check how much it will cost to insure, as some insurance companies will charge more for Cat S or Cat N cars, and others won’t cover them at all Remember, as with any car, there’s no guarantee the car will remain roadworthy – it’ll still need servicing and regular MOTs. Find out if the Cat S or N car’s faults are likely to reoccur, and how much they’ll cost to put right if they do. Cat S and Cat N cars can be a lot cheaper to buy than an equivalent non-written off car. Bear in mind, just as it was cheaper to buy in the first place, it’ll be worth less when you come to sell it. Insurers will often sell Cat S and Cat N cars on for salvage, which is when someone else may choose to repair the car. If the car is repaired properly, there’s no reason you shouldn’t buy and run it.
Do Category S or N cars cost more to insure?
Generally, you’ll pay a higher insurance premium but shop around for quotes and check the contracts before you commit. The final quote will vary depending on the car, your insurance provider, and the level of cover you opt for.
Just note that some providers might not cover Cat S or Cat N cars at all, so ask early on in the process.
Just note that some providers might not cover Cat S or Cat N cars at all, so ask early on in the process.
What does an insurance company do with your write-off car?
The ABI Salvage Code mandates that Category A cars be crushed entirely, while Category B cars can have some parts salvaged before crushing. Category S and N write-offs can be sold, either to the original owner or through a salvage company.
For Category S cars, insurers must submit Form V23 to the DVLA immediately after the decision, while it's the keeper's duty to notify the DVLA after a total loss payout. No DVLA notification is needed for Category N cars. These vehicles can be good bargains if repaired affordably using used parts or cheaper labour.
For Category S cars, insurers must submit Form V23 to the DVLA immediately after the decision, while it's the keeper's duty to notify the DVLA after a total loss payout. No DVLA notification is needed for Category N cars. These vehicles can be good bargains if repaired affordably using used parts or cheaper labour.
Auto Trader’s insurance category checks
For your peace of mind, we check whether a vehicle is recorded as having been written off whenever a seller advertises a vehicle on our website.
We use details sourced from the Motor Insurance Anti-Fraud and Theft Register (MIAFTR), operated by Insurance Database Services Ltd. This is one of the five standard checks we do on all vehicles advertised on our website. We’ll also investigate whether a car has been stolen, scrapped, imported or exported. We won’t advertise a car if we find it’s been stolen, scrapped or recorded as Category A or B write-off.
We use details sourced from the Motor Insurance Anti-Fraud and Theft Register (MIAFTR), operated by Insurance Database Services Ltd. This is one of the five standard checks we do on all vehicles advertised on our website. We’ll also investigate whether a car has been stolen, scrapped, imported or exported. We won’t advertise a car if we find it’s been stolen, scrapped or recorded as Category A or B write-off.
Buying with Auto Trader
Cat A or B vehicles can’t be advertised on our website, but Cat C, D, S or N vehicles can. We’ll highlight its insurance category as part of our vehicle checks.
Some sellers buy and list a full vehicle check on the vehicles they’ve listed on Auto Trader. Keep an eye out for these, as they’ll give you summary of the vehicle history including mileage and outstanding finance. Consider getting your own vehicle history check just to be sure the information is accurate and not faked. If you buy your own report with Auto Trader, you’ll also get data guarantee of up to £30,000 should any information be incorrect.
Some sellers buy and list a full vehicle check on the vehicles they’ve listed on Auto Trader. Keep an eye out for these, as they’ll give you summary of the vehicle history including mileage and outstanding finance. Consider getting your own vehicle history check just to be sure the information is accurate and not faked. If you buy your own report with Auto Trader, you’ll also get data guarantee of up to £30,000 should any information be incorrect.
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