What Are the Risks of Buying a Written-Off Vehicle?

So, you’ve found a car that’s a bargain, but then you see the words "previously written off." Now you’re wondering—is this a great deal, or am I about to buy a disaster on wheels?

Buying a written-off car isn’t always a bad idea, but if you don’t know what you’re doing, you could end up with a money pit. Some written-off cars are repaired properly and completely roadworthy. Others? They’re held together with cheap parts and duct tape.

Before you do anything, the first step is simple—run a full vehicle history check. This will tell you why the car was written off, what category it falls into, and whether you should even be considering it.

What Does It Mean When a Car Is "Written Off"?

A write-off is when an insurance company decides the car isn’t worth fixing. But not all write-offs are equal.

Here’s how they’re classified in the UK:

• Category A: Total loss. The car is so badly damaged it must be crushed. Nothing can be salvaged.
• Category B: Also a total loss, but some parts might be salvageable. The car itself can never be driven again.
• Category S: Structural damage, but it can be repaired and legally put back on the road.
• Category N: No structural damage, just cosmetic or electrical issues.

So, A and B are out—those cars are scrap. But Category S and N? Those can sometimes be worth considering if they’ve been repaired properly.

If you want a full breakdown of what each category means, check out our detailed guide on write-off categories.

The Real Risks of Buying a Written-Off Car

Let’s cut through the noise—buying a written-off car can go one of two ways. Either you get a legit bargain, or you get a car that falls apart faster than you can fix it. Here’s what could go wrong:

1. The Car Might Have Hidden Damage

Just because a car looks fine doesn’t mean it is. Some of the worst problems are the ones you can’t see.

• Bent chassis? The car might not protect you properly in an accident.
• Flood damage? Electrical systems could start failing randomly.
• Suspension issues? The car might never drive straight again.

Want to avoid buying a car with nasty surprises? Check if a car has been written off before you buy.

2. Insurance Can Be a Pain

Here’s something most people don’t think about—not all insurers cover written-off cars. Some won’t insure them at all, and those that do might charge you more.

Before buying, call your insurer and ask:

• Will you insure a Category S or N car?
• Will my premiums be higher?
• Are there any restrictions?

If you don’t do this first, you might end up owning a car you can’t even drive. Need help? Here’s what you should know about insuring a written-off car.

3. Resale Value is Always Lower

No matter how well it’s repaired, a car with a write-off history will always be worth less than one without. Some buyers won’t even consider a written-off car, which means you might struggle to sell it later.

4. No Manufacturer Warranty

Most written-off cars lose their manufacturer warranty. If something major fails, guess what? You’re paying for it.

5. Some Sellers Hide Bad Repairs

Not all repairs are done properly. Some sellers just patch things up enough to sell—but underneath, the car is still a wreck.

Before buying, always:

• Ask for repair records – If they don’t have them, walk away.
• Get a mechanic to inspect it – Don’t trust what the seller tells you.
• Take it for a long test drive – If anything feels off, don’t ignore it.

How to Avoid Buying a Bad Write-Off

If you’re serious about buying a written-off car, here’s how to do it properly.

1. Get a Full History Check

Never buy a car without checking its past. You can run a full history check here and see if it’s been written off.

2. Have a Mechanic Look It Over

A mechanic can spot problems you’d never notice. Don’t skip this step.

3. Check If You Can Actually Get Insurance

Just because you can buy it doesn’t mean you can insure it. Check first.

4. Don’t Overpay

A written-off car should always be cheaper than a clean-title one. If the seller isn’t offering a discount, walk away.

Final Thoughts: Should You Buy a Written-Off Car?

It depends. If the car is properly repaired, passes all checks, and you’re getting a great deal, it could be worth it.

But if there are missing records, bad repairs, or insurance headaches—walk away.

Before you decide, run a full vehicle history check so you know exactly what you’re getting into.

Still unsure? Read our full guide to written-off vehicles.