What to Look for When Buying a Car with a Write-Off History?

So, you’ve found a car that seems like a steal—but there’s a catch. It’s been written off by an insurance company. Should you run for the hills, or could this actually be a hidden gem? Before you take the plunge, the first thing you should do is run a car history check to uncover the full story. Because trust me, some deals are too good to be true.

What Does "Written Off" Actually Mean?

A write-off isn’t just a car that’s been in a dramatic Hollywood-style crash. Sometimes, insurers classify cars as total losses simply because the repair costs are higher than the car’s value. Other times, the damage is serious—think bent frames and crumpled metal.

Knowing what kind of write-off you’re dealing with is crucial. If you don’t, you might end up with a car that looks fine on the outside but has the structural integrity of a soggy biscuit. Check out our full guide on insurance write-off categories to get the full breakdown.

The Four Types of Write-Offs

Not all write-offs are created equal. Here’s the difference:

• Category A: This car is toast. Completely destroyed, unsafe, and should never be seen on the road again.
• Category B: Slightly less toast. The car itself can’t be used, but some parts may be salvaged.
• Category S: Structurally damaged, but with professional repairs, it can be roadworthy again.
• Category N: No structural damage—just cosmetic or electrical issues that may or may not be costly.

Thinking about a Category S or N car? Make sure you read up on Category S write-offs and Category N write-offs before making any decisions.

What to Check Before Buying a Written-Off Car

Alright, so you’re not completely put off. Good! But before you hand over your hard-earned cash, here’s what you need to double-check.

1. The Write-Off Category

This is a biggie. If it’s a Category A or B, forget it—you can’t drive it. Category S or N? Now we’re talking, but only if you do your homework.

2. The Damage and Repairs

Was the car properly repaired, or did someone just slap on some new paint and hope for the best? Warning signs of a bad repair job include:

• Panels that don’t quite line up.
• Uneven paintwork (shiny in one spot, dull in another).
• Weird noises when driving (if it sounds like a haunted house, run).

3. Vehicle History Report

Don’t just take the seller’s word for it. Run a vehicle write-off check to get the full picture. A proper check will tell you:

• When the car was written off.
• What type of damage it had.
• If it’s ever had mileage tampering.
• How many previous owners it’s had.

4. MOT History

Check if the car has passed recent MOT tests and what issues were flagged. You can do a quick MOT history check to see if it’s been failing for the same issue repeatedly.

5. Insurance Costs

Insuring a previously written-off car can be tricky. Some insurers won’t cover them, while others will charge a premium. Always get insurance quotes before committing.

6. Resale Value

Even if the car looks fine now, it might be harder to sell in the future. Many buyers avoid written-off vehicles, so be prepared for a lower resale price.

What to Do If the Car Has Been Written Off

If the car you’re looking at has been written off, don’t panic. Here’s what to do next:

1. Get Repair Records

Ask for receipts and details of what work was done. If the seller gets cagey, that’s a red flag.

2. Have It Inspected

Get a trusted mechanic to check the car inside and out. They’ll be able to spot dodgy repairs that could cost you down the line.

3. Compare Insurance Costs

Call a few insurance providers to see if they’ll cover the car and how much it’ll cost you.

4. Negotiate the Price

A write-off should always be cheaper than a similar model without a history. Use what you’ve learned to get the best deal.

Why a Full History Check is Essential

Unless you’re buying from someone you trust with your life, a write-off history check is an absolute must. This will give you:

• Proof of past damage and repairs.
• Any outstanding finance on the car.
• Its full ownership history.
• Potential hidden issues (like if it was ever stolen).

The Bottom Line

Buying a written-off car isn’t always a bad idea, but it’s a gamble unless you do your research. Make sure you check the category, inspect the repairs, confirm insurance costs, and get a mechanic’s opinion before committing.

And most importantly, before you even think about buying, run a car history check to make sure you know exactly what you’re dealing with.

Need more help? Read our guides on how to avoid bad write-off purchases and verifying an insurance write-off.