What is a Category B Write-Off?

If you are purchasing used cars, you might come across the term Category B write-off. Compared to Category A, Category B vehicles are much more damaged and cannot be restored to their original state to return to the roads. Unlike Category A, in Category B, some parts can be recovered for reuse, but the car has to be sent to the junkyard.

So, what does this mean for buyers, and how do you avoid Category B car scams?

Here's what we'll be covering in this guide:

• What Category B is and how it differs from other write-offs.
• Why Category B cars can't be driven again.
• Which parts of a Category B car can be salvaged legally.
• The legal and safety implications of buying or selling Category B vehicles.
• How insurance companies classify a car as Category B.
• How to determine whether a car has been written off as Category B.

What is a Category B Write-Off?

A Category B insurance write-off is a vehicle that has been irreparably damaged for road use but retains some parts that are salvageable. That is, the vehicle itself can never be lawfully driven again, but unaffected components such as seats, wheels, or certain mechanical components can be stripped and reused.

Category B cars are generally subjected to:

• Catastrophic collisions that render the chassis demolished but with components intact.
• Heavily burning fire damage where external parts burn but internal ones remain functional.
• Drowning-type water damage where electrical components get destroyed but the mechanical components function.
• Body harm, where core safety elements (such as the frame) suffer.

Once a car is assessed as Category B, it must be dismantled by an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF).

Why Can Category B Cars Be Salvaged but Not Be Repaired?

Though Category A cars must be totally scrapped, Category B cars possess parts to be recycled. However, they cannot be fixed and resold as intact vehicles or be restored to the road for the reasons below:

• Severe structural damage – Regardless of replacement parts, the frame may be compromised.
• Crash safety concerns – Repairable vehicles do not always meet crash protection requirements.
• Legal restrictions – The DVLA permanently prohibits Category B vehicles from the highway.

Because of such risks, Category B vehicles should be destroyed by an approved ATF.

Category B Compared to Other Write-Offs

Understanding where Category B fits within the insurance write-off scale makes things a little clearer:

• Category A: The car must be completely wrecked—the parts can't be salvaged.
• Category B: The car can't be driven; some parts can be recovered.
• Category S: The vehicle is structurally damaged and can be repaired.
• Category N: The vehicle is non-structurally damaged but still needs to be repaired.

How Do Insurers Determine Category B Cars?

Insurance companies determine whether a vehicle is Category B after extensive evaluation of the damage. The most important factors are:

• Structural integrity – If the chassis is beyond safe repair, it's a Category B.
• Repair charges – If the repairs cost more than the car is worth, it would be written off.
• Safety checks – If a car fails a safety check, it is slated for destruction.

The Legal Risks of Purchasing a Category B Car

While Category B parts may be legally sold, selling the car as roadworthy is illegal. Some dishonest traders may try to hide a car's write-off status—therefore the need to check a car's history.

Legal risks are:

• You are not allowed to tax, insure, or register a Category B vehicle.
• Selling a Category B vehicle as roadworthy is fraud.
• Driving a Category B vehicle may result in prosecution or fines.
• In case you buy a Category B vehicle by mistake, you cannot insure or drive it.

Checking if a Car Is Category B

To avoid buying a Category B vehicle (or stolen parts), follow these guidelines:

1. Find out the Vehicle Registration Number (VRN)

The VRN can be found on the number plate or V5C log book for the vehicle.

2. Get a Vehicle History Check

A DVLA check is not always going to show write-off status, so use a reputable service. Carry out a full write-off check to check its history.

3. Checking the Report

The report will assure that:

• The car is classified as Category B.
• It was previously an insurance write-off.
• Its mileage is accurate or other details on previous ownership.

Final Thoughts

Category B write-offs are not roadworthy, but their parts can still be legally salvaged and sold. If you’re considering purchasing a used car, always check its write-off status first.

Before making a purchase, run a full history check to avoid costly mistakes. Check a vehicle’s write-off status here.

For further reading on how write-offs impact car value, see our car write-off guide.