Why Are Vehicle Write-Off Checks Important for Buyers?

Buying a used car? Smart move—it can save you a fortune. But before you drive off thinking you’ve bagged a bargain, hold on a second. Do you actually know the car’s full history? A car history check is the only way to know if that shiny motor has a hidden past. And trust me, some cars have pasts they don’t want you to know about.

One of the biggest risks? Buying a written-off car without realising it. Some write-offs are perfectly fine after proper repairs, but others? Let’s just say they shouldn’t be on the road. So, how do you check? And what does a write-off even mean? Let’s get into it.

What is a Vehicle Write-Off?

If an insurance company decides a car is too expensive to repair—or too unsafe—it gets written off. But not all write-offs are the same. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Category A: Scrapped for good—nothing can be salvaged.
• Category B: The car is toast, but some parts might still be useful.
• Category S: Structural damage, but it can be repaired and made roadworthy again.
• Category N: No structural damage, just cosmetic, electrical, or mechanical issues.

Not sure what these mean for you? Check out our insurance write-off categories guide for more details.

Why Should Buyers Check for a Write-Off?

Would you buy a house without checking for damp or dodgy wiring? Probably not. A write-off check is just as important when buying a car. Here’s why:

1. Safety First

Some written-off cars look fine but could have structural issues lurking under the surface. A proper check tells you if it’s safe to drive.

2. Paying a Fair Price

Written-off cars should be cheaper. If a seller is asking full price for a previously written-off car, something isn’t right.

3. Insurance Issues

Not all insurers will cover a write-off. Some charge higher premiums, and others might refuse altogether. It’s best to know before you buy.

4. Avoiding Dodgy Sellers

Some sellers won’t tell you a car has been written off. A quick write-off check means you won’t get caught out.

How to Check If a Car Has Been Written Off

Here’s the right way to check before handing over any cash:

1. Get the Vehicle Registration Number (VRN)

Every car has a unique registration number. It’s your key to checking its history. You’ll find it on the number plate, logbook (V5C), or insurance paperwork.

2. Run a Proper Write-Off Check

Visit CarOwl’s write-off check and enter the VRN. This will tell you:

• ✔ Whether the car has ever been written off.
• ✔ The category of the write-off (A, B, S, or N).
• ✔ The type and extent of the damage.
• ✔ Whether any repairs have been recorded.
• ✔ Mileage and ownership history.

What If the Car Has a Write-Off History?

If the car’s history shows it was written off, don’t panic—just follow these steps:

1. Check the Repairs

For Category S or N cars, ask for proof of repairs. If the seller has nothing to show? Walk away.

2. Get It Inspected

Even if the seller swears the car is perfect, get a trusted mechanic to check it over.

3. Look at Insurance Costs

Some insurers charge more for write-offs, and some won’t insure them at all. Get quotes before making a decision.

4. Negotiate the Price

If a car has a write-off history, it should be cheaper than a similar model without damage. Use this to negotiate a better deal.

FAQs About Write-Off Checks for Buyers

Still got questions? Here are some quick answers:

Can I trust a seller’s claim about a car’s write-off status?

Absolutely not. Always run your own write-off check.

Are write-off checks free?

Some basic checks exist, but they don’t tell you everything. CarOwl’s check gives you the full story.

Is it safe to buy a car with a write-off history?

Depends. Some Category S and N cars are safe if they’ve been properly repaired. Always check before buying.

Final Thoughts

A car history check is the only way to avoid nasty surprises when buying a used car. If you’re spending your money, make sure it’s on a car you can trust. Run a full write-off check before making any decisions.