Insurance Write-Off Categories Explained: Cat N, S, B & A

When your insurance company declares your vehicle a "write-off" or "total loss," it means the cost of repairs exceeds a certain percentage of the car's value. But not all write-offs are created equal. Understanding the different categories can help you make informed decisions about your vehicle and ensure you get the best outcome.

The Four Write-Off Categories

In 2017, the UK simplified write-off categories from the old A, B, C, D system to the current four categories. Here's what each means:

Category A (Scrap Only)

The most severe category. These vehicles have suffered such significant damage that no part of them should ever be used on a vehicle again. The entire car must be crushed and scrapped.

Typical causes: Severe fire damage, major structural failure, vehicles that have been submerged in water, or damage so extensive that even parts could be unsafe.

Can it be repaired? No. Cat A vehicles must be destroyed entirely. It is illegal to repair them or sell any parts.

Category B (Body Shell Only)

The vehicle's body shell (main structural frame) is damaged beyond safe repair, but some parts may be salvaged for use on other vehicles.

Typical causes: Major collision damage to the structural frame, severe corrosion to the chassis, or significant accident damage where the body is twisted.

Can it be repaired? No. The body shell must be crushed, but parts like the engine, gearbox, doors, lights, and interior components can be removed and sold.

Category S (Structural Damage)

The vehicle has suffered structural damage, to the chassis, frame, or crumple zones, but can legally be repaired and returned to the road.

Typical causes: Front or rear-end collisions affecting the chassis, side impacts damaging the structural pillars, or damage to suspension mounting points.

Can it be repaired? Yes, but it requires professional structural repair. Once repaired, the vehicle must pass a VIC (Vehicle Identity Check) before being re-registered for road use. The 'S' marker stays on the vehicle's record permanently.

Category N (Non-Structural Damage)

The vehicle has damage that doesn't affect its structural integrity. This could still be expensive to repair, which is why it's been written off.

Typical causes: Cosmetic damage, electrical faults, engine or gearbox failure, flood damage to electrics (but not affecting structure), or theft damage.

Can it be repaired? Yes. No VIC test is required, but you should still get the repairs done professionally. The 'N' marker remains on the vehicle's record permanently.

What Happens After Your Car Is Written Off

When your insurer writes off your vehicle:

1. Valuation: They determine your car's pre-accident market value
2. Settlement offer: You receive an offer based on this valuation minus your excess
3. Vehicle ownership: You can accept the settlement and let them take the car, or negotiate to keep the salvage

Your Rights as the Owner

You have several options when your car is written off:

Accept the settlement and hand over the vehicle: The simplest option. You receive the agreed payout and the insurer takes the car.

Negotiate the settlement: If you believe the valuation is too low, you can provide evidence of similar vehicles' values and negotiate a higher payout.

Buy back the salvage: You can accept the settlement minus a salvage value and keep the car. This might make sense for Cat N vehicles where you can do repairs cheaply.

Reject the claim entirely: If the damage is minor and repairs are worthwhile, you can choose not to claim and keep your no-claims bonus.

The Hidden Problem: Insurer Salvage Prices

Here's something many people don't realise: when insurers sell write-offs to salvage companies, they often get a fraction of what you could get selling directly to a specialist buyer. If you buy back your salvage, you may be able to sell it for more than the insurer's salvage deduction.

Getting the Best Price for Your Write-Off

At Ben Whitcombe Ltd, we buy all categories of insurance write-offs:

• Cat A: We're a registered ATF and can legally dispose of these vehicles
• Cat B: We pay good prices for salvageable parts and scrap the shell properly
• Cat S: Higher prices where structural repair is feasible or parts have value
• Cat N: Often the best prices, as these vehicles have significant parts value

What You'll Need

To sell your written-off vehicle, have these ready:

• V5C logbook (or evidence of ownership)
• Insurance settlement letter (if applicable)
• Any documentation about the damage
• Keys (if available)

Why Sell to a Local Buyer?

When your car has been written off, you want to move on quickly. Dealing with a local, family-run business like Ben Whitcombe Ltd means:

• Fast response and collection
• Fair assessment of salvage value
• No pressure tactics
• Immediate payment
• All paperwork handled properly

Had your car written off? Get a free valuation for your write-off, we buy all categories across Somerset.