Car write-off categories explained: A, B, S and N
When an insurer decides a damaged car isn't worth repairing, it's classed as a write-off and given a category. That category follows the car for life and matters a lot to its value, and to whether it can be on the road at all.
This guide is general information. Categories are set by the insurance industry's code of practice, so check current details with an official source or a vehicle history provider.
The four categories
Since October 2017 the UK uses four categories. Older cars written off before then may have been given different letters (A to D), so check the history rather than assuming.
| Category | What it means | Can it go back on the road? |
|---|---|---|
| A | The car should be scrapped completely, with nothing reused | No |
| B | The car should be broken up. The body shell is crushed, but some parts can be reused | No |
| S | Structural damage to the frame or chassis, but repairable | Yes, once properly repaired and checked |
| N | Non-structural damage (for example electrical or cosmetic), repairable | Yes, once repaired |
What "repairable" really means
A Category S or N car was written off because the insurer decided it was uneconomic to repair, not because it can't be fixed. Some are repaired very well, others less so. An S car had damage to its structure, which is the part that protects you in a crash, so a proper repair and inspection matter most.
If you're buying one
- Expect a lower price. These cars are usually worth less than the same car with a clean history, because they're harder to insure and resell.
- Ask for evidence of the repair: photos of the damage, invoices from the repairer, and who did the work. Consider an independent inspection.
- Check your insurance first. Some insurers charge more or decline these cars.
- Run a vehicle history check. A seller may not know, or may not say, and a history check shows recorded write-offs.
- Never buy a car listed as Category A or B for use on the road.
If you're selling one
You must be honest about it. Telling a buyer the car has never been written off when it has is misrepresentation, and it can lead to the sale being undone and a claim against you. Say the category clearly, explain the repair, and share the paperwork. Honesty gets a fair price from the right buyer and avoids trouble later. On Browse Cars, the listing form asks for the write-off category, so buyers can see it and filter for or against it.
Stolen and recovered cars
A car that was stolen and later recovered isn't always given a write-off category, but it's still part of the car's history that buyers want to know. Browse Cars also asks sellers to declare this.
Outstanding finance
Separate from write-offs, a car can still have finance owed on it. Until it's paid off, the finance company has an interest in the car. A history check will also flag this. Read more in our buyer's guide.