Cat S, Cat N, Cat B... What Do Car Write-Off Categories Actually Mean?

The Ones You Can't Touch: Cat A & Cat B

Before we get to the cars you might actually buy, let's clear up the two most serious categories. These are vehicles that are not allowed back on the road.

• Category A: Scrap. This is the end of the line. A Cat A vehicle has suffered such extreme damage (e.g., total burnout) that it is completely beyond repair. It must be crushed, and not a single part can be salvaged or reused.
• Category B: Break. This is a step down, but still critical. A Cat B vehicle has sustained severe structural damage. While some parts can be salvaged, the body shell and chassis are deemed unsafe and must be crushed. You can buy the engine or seats from a Cat B car, but you can never, ever buy the car itself to drive.

The Ones You'll See for Sale: Cat S & Cat N

This is where things get interesting. In October 2017, the write-off system was updated to focus on the type of damage, not just the cost of repair. This gave us Cat S and Cat N.

Category S: Structural Damage

Think S for Structural. A Cat S car has damage to a key part of its frame or chassis—the structural skeleton of the vehicle. This could be a bent chassis leg after a front-end collision or a crumpled pillar. The crucial thing to know is that this damage has been professionally repaired to a roadworthy standard. However, the "S" classification remains with the car for life.

Category N: Non-Structural Damage

Think N for Non-Structural. A Cat N car has been written off for reasons that don't affect its core structure. This could be cosmetic damage like dented doors, but it could also be a problem with the electrics, engine, or even a stolen and recovered car that was stripped of its interior. The insurer decided the repair cost was more than the car was worth, but a skilled mechanic might fix it economically, making it a safe vehicle.

(A Note on the Old System: You'll still see Cat C and Cat D on older write-offs. Cat C is roughly the old Cat S, and Cat D is the old Cat N.)

Should You Buy a Cat S or Cat N Car?

This is where you need to weigh the pros and cons carefully.

The Good (The Potential Bargain)

The number one reason to consider a categorised car is the price. You can often get a much newer, higher-spec car for your budget. A well-repaired Cat N car, in particular, can be mechanically sound and functionally identical to a non-damaged equivalent, but for thousands of pounds less.

The Bad (The Potential Risks)

• Unknown Repair Quality: This is the biggest risk, especially for a Cat S car. Was the critical structural damage repaired by a certified expert or a cheap 'that'll do' fix?
• Hidden Gremlins: A Cat N write-off due to an electrical fault could be a sign of deeper, persistent issues that are a nightmare to fix.
• Insurance Hurdles: Some insurers will charge a higher premium for a categorised car, and a few may refuse to offer cover at all.
• Lower Resale Value: You save money when you buy, but you'll get less when you sell. The "Cat" title is permanent.

How to Protect Yourself and Buy with Confidence

So, how do you sort the bargains from the bad news? While you can't see the repair history, you can arm yourself with knowledge. The single most important step you can take before buying any used car, especially a categorised one, is to get a full vehicle history check. It's the only way to independently verify the seller's story and uncover the vehicle's complete past.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Car Write-Offs

Is a Cat S car safe to drive?

A Cat S car can be perfectly safe to drive, but only if the structural repairs were completed to a high, professional standard. This is the biggest uncertainty. Without a professional inspection, it's difficult to verify the quality of the repair work.

Is it hard to insure a Cat N car?

It's generally not hard, but some insurers may charge a higher premium or require a new engineer's report before offering cover. It's always wise to get insurance quotes before you agree to buy the car.

How much less is a Cat S car worth?

Typically, a Cat S car is worth 20-40% less than an identical non-categorised car. The exact discount depends on the car's age, desirability, and the perceived severity of the original damage.

Do I have to declare a car is Cat S when selling?

Yes, absolutely. It is a legal requirement to declare a vehicle's write-off status to a potential buyer. Hiding this information is illegal and can lead to prosecution.

Helpful Additional Resources

Understanding write-off categories is a huge part of buying a used car safely. Here are other essential checks to perform:

• How to Check if a Car Has Outstanding Finance: Ensure you don't accidentally inherit someone else's debt.
• How to Check if a Car is Stolen: Make sure the vehicle you’re buying isn’t recorded as stolen property.

Your Next Step to a Safe Purchase

Categorised cars aren't something to be scared of, but they are something to be smart about. Don’t leave such a major purchase to chance. Armed with the right knowledge and a comprehensive history check, you can navigate the market with confidence and maybe, just maybe, drive away in the bargain of a lifetime.