Selling a Cat S or Cat N write-off

An insurer writes a car off when it decides the repair is not worth paying for. That does not always mean the car is finished. Two of the four categories can be repaired and driven again.

The four categories

• Cat N: the damage is not structural. It might be cosmetic or electrical. The car can be repaired and go back on the road.
• Cat S: the structure of the car has been damaged, but it can be repaired.
• Cat B: the body shell must be crushed. Parts can be salvaged.
• Cat A: the whole car must be crushed, parts included.

Cat C and Cat D were the names used before October 2017. They are roughly what Cat S and Cat N are now.

If you keep the car

Your insurer may pay you out and let you keep the car. For a Cat S car you have to send the complete logbook to the insurer and apply to DVLA for a free replacement with form V62. DVLA then records the category in the logbook. Whatever the category, the car has to be roadworthy before it goes back on the road.

What you have to tell a buyer

Tell them the category. It stays on the car's record for good and shows up on any vehicle history check, so there is nothing to gain by leaving it out.

What it is worth

A repaired write-off sells for less than the same car with a clean history, and Cat S usually sells for less than Cat N. An unrepaired one is valued on what it would cost to put right, or on its parts.

How to sell one

Many dealers will not take a written-off car, and private buyers are wary. We buy Cat S and Cat N cars, repaired or not. Tell us the category when you ask for a quote and keep any letter from your insurer that states it. See selling a write-off, non-runner or MOT failure.