What Are Insurance Write-Off Categories?

Hoo-hoo! Terry Twoo here, ready to help you make a smart decision before you buy that used car. Let me ask you something—would you hand over your hard-earned money for a car that’s been through a rough accident without checking its history first? No? Thought so! Smart thinking.

See, not all accidents are the same. Some cars are completely wrecked and shouldn’t be touched. Others? They might have had a bump or two but are still roadworthy. The trick is knowing which is which. That’s where insurance write-off categories come in. They tell you whether a car is safe, fixable, or best left alone.

And before you go any further, do yourself a favour—check that car’s write-off status now with a Car Owl Write-Off Check. It’s quick, easy, and might just save you from making a costly mistake.

What Does It Mean If a Car Has Been Written Off?

Alright, let’s break it down. When an insurance company writes off a car, they’ve decided that fixing it isn’t worth the cost. Maybe the damage is too severe. Maybe the repairs would cost more than the car is worth. Either way, they say, "Nope, this one’s a loss." But that doesn’t always mean the car is done for.

Some written-off cars are perfectly fine after repairs. Others? Not so much. That’s why you must check what category the car falls into before even thinking about buying it.

The Four Write-Off Categories (And What They Mean)

In the UK, write-offs are sorted into four groups: A, B, S, and N. Here’s what each one means in plain English.

Category A – Scrap It and Forget It

This is as bad as it gets. Category A means the car is so badly damaged that nothing can be saved—not even the parts. Fire damage, severe crashes, complete wrecks—these cars are only good for the scrapyard. If you see a car listed as Category A, run in the other direction.

Category B – Break for Parts

Category B cars are almost as bad. The difference? Some parts might still be useful. The car itself has to be scrapped, but things like the engine, gearbox, or interior parts might be salvageable. Either way, you’re not driving this one home.

Category S – Structural Damage (But Fixable)

Now we’re getting into the repairable territory. Category S means the car has had structural damage—bent frame, twisted chassis, that kind of thing. It can be repaired and driven again, but you need to make sure the repairs were done properly. A dodgy fix could leave you with an unsafe vehicle.

Category N – No Structural Damage

Alright, so this one isn’t as scary. Category N means the damage wasn’t structural—maybe it’s electrical issues, faulty brakes, or cosmetic damage. These cars can be safe to drive, but it depends on the repairs. Always check what was actually wrong with the car before buying.

Why You Should Always Check a Car’s Write-Off Category

Let’s be real—no one wants nasty surprises after buying a car. Here’s why checking the write-off category is a must.

Safety First

Would you feel comfortable driving a car that’s had a bent chassis? Even if it’s been fixed, poor repairs could make it unsafe. Get a professional inspection if you’re considering a Category S vehicle.

Insurance Might Cost You More

Write-offs are riskier to insure. Some insurers charge higher premiums, and some won’t cover them at all. That’s why it’s best to check the Car Owl Write-Off Check before making any decisions.

Resale Value Takes a Hit

If a car’s been written off, it’s worth less than a clean-history car. If you ever try to sell it, buyers will ask questions—and you might not get the price you were hoping for.

How to Check If a Car Has Been Written Off

Good news—checking a car’s write-off status is easy with Car Owl.

1. Find the Reg Number – Look on the number plate or car documents.
2. Go to Car Owl – Head over to Car Owl’s write-off check tool.
3. Enter the Reg Number – Type it in, and in seconds, you’ll get a full history report.
4. Check the Report – See if the car’s been written off, what category it falls under, and what that means for you.

Final Thoughts from Terry Twoo

Buying a car that’s been written off isn’t always a bad idea—but you need to know exactly what you’re getting into. The best way to avoid surprises? A quick search on Car Owl’s Write-Off Check. It’ll tell you if the car is safe, insurable, and worth your money.

Stay wise, check before you buy, and make sure you’re getting a car that’s right for you. Hoo knows—it might just save you from a real headache down the road!