Write-Off Check GOV: Is it Trustworthy?

If you’re looking at a used car, one of the first things you’ll want to know is has it been written off? A write-off check can save you from buying a car with hidden damage, insurance issues, or serious safety risks. But can you trust the free GOV write-off check, or is it missing vital details?

Let’s break it down—what a GOV check actually tells you, what it doesn’t, and why using a full history check like CarOwl is the smarter move.

What is a GOV Write-Off Check?

A GOV write-off check refers to the basic vehicle information provided by the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency). These include free tools like the:

• Car Tax Checker – Find out if a vehicle is taxed or has been declared off the road (SORN).
• MOT History Check – See past MOT results, including failures, advisories, and due dates.

What Information Does a GOV Check Give You?

These GOV tools provide some basic vehicle details, including:

• Tax status (is it taxed or not?)
• MOT history (when it expires, past failures, and advisories)
• Vehicle make, model, and age
• CO2 emissions

But here’s what GOV checks don’t tell you:

• Write-off category (A, B, S, or N)
• Accident history (what happened, when, and how bad it was)
• Repair records (was it fixed properly or just patched up?)
• Mileage verification (has the odometer been tampered with?)
• Outstanding finance (is the car still under finance?)

Are GOV Write-Off Checks Trustworthy?

Yes, but only for the limited information they provide. If you’re just looking to check tax or MOT status, they’re fine. But if you’re buying a used car and want to know if it’s been written off? They’re not enough. Here’s why:

1. They Don’t Show Write-Off Categories

Not all write-offs are equal. A Category N car (non-structural damage) might be fine after repairs, but a Category S car (structural damage) could be a serious safety risk. A GOV check won’t tell you which category the car falls under.

2. No Repair or Damage History

A car might have been written off and repaired, but was it done properly? Or just quickly patched up to look good for a sale? A GOV check won’t give you any repair history.

3. No Mileage or Ownership Checks

Odometer fraud is a huge issue in the used car market. If a seller has clocked back the mileage to make the car look newer, a GOV check won’t flag it.

4. No Data from Insurance Companies

Insurance companies hold crucial information about a car’s write-off status—but GOV checks don’t access it. That means you could buy a car thinking it’s clean when it’s actually been written off.

Why CarOwl is the Better Alternative

For a complete picture of a car’s history, you need a proper write-off check. That’s where CarOwl comes in. Here’s what it gives you:

1. Full Write-Off Details

CarOwl tells you if the car was written off, when, and why, plus whether it’s Category A, B, S, or N.

2. Repair & Accident History

Find out exactly what happened to the car and whether it was properly repaired.

3. Mileage & Ownership Verification

Spot odometer fraud and check if the car had multiple previous owners (which could signal past issues).

4. Finance & Theft Checks

Find out if the car has outstanding finance or has been reported stolen—things a GOV check won’t show.

How to Run a Proper Write-Off Check

Checking a car’s history with CarOwl is quick and easy:

1. Get the Vehicle Registration Number (VRN)

The VRN (found on the number plate or logbook) is needed to check the car’s history.

2. Enter It on CarOwl

Go to our write-off check and enter the VRN or VIN.

3. Get a Full Report in Seconds

See write-off status, accident history, mileage checks, finance details, and more.

Final Thoughts

If you just need to check MOT history or car tax, use our:

• Car Tax Checker
• MOT History Check

But if you want the full picture before buying a used car, don’t rely on a basic GOV check. Run a CarOwl write-off check and buy with confidence.