Why Check Write-Off Status Before Selling Your Car?

Before you sell your vehicle, you need to verify whether it has a write-off history. Write-off history can influence the value of your vehicle, appeal to potential customers, and get insured. In this article, we explain why and how you need to verify your vehicle's write-off history through CarOwl's car history report, which provides precise and detailed information so that you sell with confidence.

What is a Vehicle Write-Off?

A vehicle is a write-off when an insurance company considers it a total loss for damage or cost of uneconomical repair. Write-offs are classified based on the extent of damage:

• Category A: Total destruction; vehicle and parts must be scrapped.
• Category B: Severe damage; the vehicle cannot be repaired to the road, but parts can be recovered.
• Category S: Damage to the structure; the car can be repaired and back on the road.
• Category N: Non-structural damage, i.e., cosmetic or electrical damage, which can be repaired.

Don't know what the write-off classes are? Read our full guide to insurance write-off classes for the full lowdown.

Why Find Out Write-Off Status Before Selling?

Knowing your write-off status enables you to be upfront with potential purchasers and avoid arguments in the future. Here's why:

1. Build Trust with Buyers

You will be trusted more by the buyers if you disclose the write-off history of the vehicle beforehand. Honesty builds trust and avoids surprises in the future. Read more on why write-off checks are necessary when selling or purchasing.

2. Be Reasonable When Pricing

Write-off cars don't cost less than non-damaged vehicles. You can price the vehicle according to write-off designation. Need a new car? Check if a car is written off prior to purchasing.

3. Adhere to Legal Requirements

Failure to disclose write-off status can lead to legal action or claims for compensation. Running a write-off check allows you to fulfill disclosure requirements. Learn more about your role as a seller.

4. Avoid Buyer Complaints

Revealed vehicle history records reduce the risk of buyer complaints or disputes when selling.

How to Check Write-Off Status Before Selling

The safest way of ascertaining the write-off status of your vehicle is through CarOwl's car history check. The procedures to follow are:

1. Get the Vehicle Registration Number (VRN)

The VRN plays a vital role in making an offer to get the history of your vehicle. It appears on the car number plate, V5C logbook, or insurance documents.

2. Use CarOwl for a Comprehensive Check

Visit CarOwl's write-off status checker and enter the VRN to get a comprehensive report. CarOwl provides details such as:

• Write-Off Category: Shows if the vehicle is a Category A, B, S, or N write-off.
• Damage Details: Describes the type and extent of damage.
• Repair History: Verifies if repairs were done and to what level of satisfaction.
• Mileage Verification: Highlights discrepancies in odometer readings.
• Ownership History: Tracks previous owners and transfers of registration.

3. Read and Share the Report

Utilize the CarOwl report to provide the buyers with accurate and verifiable information about your car's history to enable smooth transactions.

How Does a Write-Off History Impact the Value of Your Car

A write-off history impacts the resale value of your car. The following should be considered:

1. Category A or B

Vehicles in these categories cannot be sold for use on the road. They can only be sold as spares, and their price will be determined by the quality of available spares.

2. Category S

Bodywork repairs need to be to a level of safety. Record the repairs, since buyers will need proof of roadworthiness. See our guide to Category S write-offs explained.

3. Category N

Non-structural damage is not as worse, but the consumer will have to pay a lower price compared to vehicles that are undamaged. Find more information on Category N car history.

FAQs On Write-Off Checks Before Selling

Some of the most common write-off check FAQs answered below:

Can I sell a write-off car?

Yes, as long as you disclose the write-off status and have the car made roadworthy (in Categories S and N). In Categories A and B, the car can be sold for spares only.

What does a CarOwl write-off check cost?

CarOwl's low-cost, full reports are excellent value for the peace of mind they bring.

How long does a CarOwl check take?

CarOwl checks are quick and efficient. Simply enter the VRN, and you’ll receive a detailed report within minutes.

Why Use CarOwl for Write-Off Checks?

CarOwl is the trusted platform for checking your car’s write-off history. Here’s why:

• Comprehensive Reports: Access detailed insights into write-off categories, repairs, and more.
• Verified Data: All information is sourced from official and trusted databases.
• Ease of Use: Perform checks quickly and efficiently using just the VRN.
• Peace of Mind: Make your decisions based on verifiable facts.

Conclusion

It is necessary to scan the write-off history of your car before sale in a manner that it gets evident, authentic, and sells effectively. Use CarOwl's full car check to try and give a trusted, all-inclusive report regarding the history of your car. Using CarOwl, one can make the transaction easy and get the best possible price for the car.