Cat A, Cat B, Cat S or Cat N write-off for cars explained?
A Category "Cat" are vehicles written off by insurers because the cost to repair them exceeds the cost to replace them.
A Category (Cat) car refers to a vehicle that has been involved in an incident resulting in an insurance claim substantial enough for the car to be deemed a 'write-off.' In other words, the cost to repair the vehicle was higher than the cost of replacing it, leading the insurer to consider it uneconomical to fix and return to the road.
Not only is it the cost of repair that the insurers are looking at but also the cost of hire cars while you're vehicle is being fixed. There are still shortages of some parts and this can mean a lengthy time in a hire car.
There are four key categories, each representing a different level of incident severity: Cat A, Cat B, Cat S, and Cat N.
In simple terms here is a quick guide to the different categories
Cat A: Vehicle has suffered severe structural damage and cannot be repaired.
Cat B: Vehicle cannot be repaired, but can be stripped for parts.
Cat S: Structural damage that is repairable.
Cat N: Non-structural damage that is repairable.
Cat A Vehicles: Scrap Only
Category A write-offs are vehicles that have sustained severe structural damage, rendering them completely beyond repair. This can occur from a major accident or being burned out in a fire, leaving the chassis or body shell irreparably damaged.
These cars must be scrapped entirely, with a certificate of destruction issued once the vehicle is destroyed. No parts, not even a gear knob, can be salvaged.
Your insurance company will handle the process. Your main tasks are to send the vehicle log book (V5C) to the insurer, keep the yellow 'sell, transfer or part-exchange your vehicle to the motor trade' section, and notify the DVLA that your vehicle has been written off.
Cat B Vehicles: Break for Parts only
Category B write-offs are vehicles that have sustained severe damage and cannot be repaired. While the car's chassis and/or body shell must be scrapped due to irreparable damage, the remaining parts can be salvaged and used on other vehicles.
Your insurance company will handle most of the logistics, but you'll need to take care of some administrative tasks.
Since non-structural parts can be salvaged, you may have the option to buy back parts or even the entire vehicle for a fee after receiving your insurance payout.
If you choose to take the car back, you'll be responsible for ensuring it is properly scrapped, and the insurer may require proof that this has been done.
Cat S Vehicles: Structural Damage
Cat S write-offs are vehicles that have suffered damage to structural components, such as the chassis or crumple zones. These vehicles can be repaired and returned to a roadworthy condition, making them safe to use on the road again.
However, the car must undergo an inspection by an accredited engineer. Depending on the parts used in the repairs, the DVLA may issue a new registration number, which will begin with the letter ‘Q’.
When a car is classified as Category S, the insurer may offer you the option to buy it back, as they own the vehicle once they’ve paid out on the claim. This can be appealing, as Cat S cars can be driven again once properly repaired.
Since the vehicle has been written off, you’ll need to re-register it with the DVLA to make it road legal. You will also receive a new log book, which will note the car's Cat S status.
Cat N Vehicles, Non-structurally damage
Cat N write-offs are vehicles that have suffered non-structural damage and can be repaired to a roadworthy condition and put back into use.
The term ‘non-structural’ covers a lot of ground and could include the bumpers and roof panel, not to mention the electrics, the engine and the seats.
A Cat N car doesn’t need to pass an inspection or be re-registered before it is returned to the road.
Once a car has been given a Cat N status, it can be bought back just like a Cat S car. However, the difference is that you do not need to re-register it, instead you keep the same log book but must inform the DVLA of its Cat N status.
What Happens If My Car Is Written Off?
If your insurance company determines that repairing your car is not cost-effective, they will arrange for the car's disposal and offer you a settlement.
This payment will be based on the car’s market value before the incident.
Can I Dispute an Insurance Write-Off?
If you believe your insurance company has wrongly classified your car as a write-off or undervalued it, you have the option to dispute their decision.
To challenge this, you'll need to gather evidence such as repair costs from reputable garages and proof of your car’s true market value.
Keep in mind that insurers are required to record all written-off vehicles on the Motor Insurance Anti-Theft Register within seven days of the write-off decision.
Once a car is listed, it can be difficult to remove it.
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