How to Check If a Vehicle Has Been Written Off?

Before you buy a used car, there’s one thing you absolutely need to check—has it been written off? A write-off isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker, but it’s a major red flag that could mean hidden damage, costly repairs, or trouble getting insurance.

The easiest way to find out? Run a car write-off check. This quick search tells you if a car has been deemed a total loss by an insurance company, so you don’t get caught out by past damage.

What Does It Mean If a Car Is Written Off?

A car is classed as a write-off when an insurer decides it’s not worth repairing—either because fixing it would cost too much, or because it’s too badly damaged to be safe. But not all write-offs are equal.

For a detailed breakdown of write-off types, check out our guide to write-off categories.

Why You Need to Check for a Write-Off

Buying a car without checking its history is like diving into deep water without knowing what’s underneath. Here’s why a write-off check is so important:

Safety Risks

Even if a written-off car has been repaired, it could still have hidden structural damage. This is especially true for Category S vehicles, which have had frame or chassis damage.

Insurance Costs

Many insurers charge higher premiums for cars that have been written off. Some may refuse to cover them altogether.

Resale Value

A write-off stays on a car’s record forever. That means when you go to sell it, buyers may be hesitant—or expect a serious price drop.

How to Check If a Car Has Been Written Off

Checking a vehicle’s write-off history is easy—just follow these steps:

1. Find the Registration Number: You’ll need the car’s reg number (found on the number plate or V5C logbook) to check its history.
2. Use a Vehicle History Check: A car history check will reveal if the car has been written off.
3. Review the Report: Look for write-off records, check what category it falls under, and note any past repairs.
4. Inspect the Car: If it’s Category S or N, get it checked by a professional mechanic before buying.

What a Write-Off Check Tells You

A car write-off check gives you a full rundown of the car’s past, including:

• Whether the car has ever been declared a write-off.
• What write-off category it falls under (A, B, S, or N).
• Details on any reported damage and past insurance claims.

What to Do If the Car Has Been Written Off

If the car comes back as a write-off, don’t panic—but don’t rush into buying, either. Here’s what you should do:

Check the Repair History

Ask the seller for proof of repairs. If they can’t provide paperwork showing the work was done properly, that’s a huge red flag.

Negotiate the Price

Written-off cars should be cheaper than non-written-off models. If the seller isn’t offering a discount, use the car write-off check as leverage to get a better deal.

Check Insurance Options

Some insurers charge more for written-off vehicles, while others won’t cover them at all. Get insurance quotes before committing to a purchase.

Final Tips Before Buying a Written-Off Car

• Run a car write-off check to see if the car has any history of major damage.
• Ask for detailed repair records to ensure any fixes were done properly.
• Have a mechanic inspect the car to confirm it’s roadworthy.
• Compare insurance costs before making your final decision.

Want to Learn More?

For a full breakdown of vehicle checks, read our car history check guide and write-off categories explained.