How to Verify the Insurance Write-Off Status of a Car?

Thinking about buying a used car? There’s one thing you absolutely need to check before you commit—has it been written off by an insurance company? If you skip this step, you could end up with a car that’s unsafe, overpriced, or impossible to insure.

Here’s the kicker: A seller isn’t legally required to tell you if a car has been written off. That means if you don’t check yourself, you might not find out until it’s too late.

This guide walks you through how to check a car’s insurance write-off status properly, what different categories mean, and why a full write-off check is the only way to get the truth.

What Does "Insurance Write-Off" Actually Mean?

When a car is written off, it means an insurance company has decided it’s not worth repairing—either because it’s too damaged or because fixing it would cost more than the car’s value.

But not all write-offs are scrap-worthy wrecks. Some are perfectly roadworthy after repairs. The trick is knowing what kind of write-off you’re dealing with.

To understand the different types, check out our guide on insurance write-off categories.

The 4 Types of Insurance Write-Offs

All written-off cars fall into one of these four categories:

• Category A: Scrap only – The car is beyond saving. Not even parts can be reused.
• Category B: Parts salvage – The car itself can’t go back on the road, but some parts might be usable.
• Category S: Structural damage – The frame or chassis is affected, but it can be repaired and made roadworthy.
• Category N: Non-structural damage – Cosmetic, electrical, or minor mechanical faults, but the frame is fine.

If you’re unsure whether a Category S or N car is a safe bet, check out our guides on Category S write-offs and Category N write-offs.

Why You NEED to Check This Before Buying

Skipping a write-off check could cost you big time. Here’s why:

• 🚨 Safety risks – Some write-offs are badly repaired and shouldn’t be on the road.
• 💰 Insurance nightmares – Some insurers charge higher premiums or refuse to cover written-off cars.
• 📉 Resale value drops – A car with a write-off history is worth less, making it harder to sell.
• ⚠️ Legal risks – A dodgy seller isn’t required to tell you about a write-off.

So how do you check? Simple—run a full write-off history check before you buy.

How to Check If a Car Has Been Written Off

Here’s the right way to check for an insurance write-off:

1. Get the Vehicle Registration Number (VRN)

The VRN is the key to checking a car’s history. You’ll find it on the number plate, logbook (V5C), or any official paperwork.

2. Forget the DVLA Check – It Won’t Help

Many people assume they can check a car’s write-off status using the DVLA’s free vehicle enquiry tool. But here’s the truth: The DVLA check DOES NOT tell you if a car has been written off.

It only shows basic vehicle details like tax and MOT status. If you want proper write-off information, you need to use a specialist write-off check.

3. Run a Full Write-Off Check

A full history report will reveal:

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

What If the Car Has Been Written Off?

If the car is a write-off, don’t panic—just take these steps:

1. Check the Repairs

For Category S or N cars, ask for proof of repairs and get a mechanic to inspect it.

2. Confirm Insurance Costs

Some insurers charge more or won’t cover write-offs—check before you buy.

3. Use It to Negotiate

A car with a write-off history should be cheaper—use it to haggle the price down.

4. Walk Away If It Feels Wrong

If something doesn’t add up, trust your gut—there are plenty of other cars out there.

The Bottom Line

Checking a car’s write-off status isn’t just a smart move—it’s essential. If you don’t check, you could end up with a car that’s unsafe, overpriced, or impossible to insure.

For total peace of mind, run a full write-off check before you commit.

Still got questions? Read our car write-off history guide.