“Write-off” is a term often used to describe a hopeless situation. This is why most write-off vehicles end up as scrappage. But it is not necessarily all doom and gloom with write-offs. You may be surprised to learn that several write-off vehicles undergo comprehensive repairs to become fully functional again.
What is a write-off?
A vehicle is described as a “write-off” if what you will spend on repairs is higher than the vehicle’s actual worth, or when the damage it has sustained makes it unfit for the road.
Theft, fire incidents, and collisions are some of the damages a vehicle can suffer. If such a vehicle is insured, the owner is entitled to an insurance claim. The first step in an insurance claim is the assessment of the damaged vehicle by the insurance engineer.
The vehicle will only be considered a write-off if it falls into at least one of the categories described below:
Category A Write-off
Any vehicle that sustains damage that prevents it from being legally used on the road will be classified under Category A. They are mostly considered as scrappage – all parts of the damaged vehicle are not transferrable to another vehicle. Category A write-offs are usually vehicles that have undergone severe water or fire damage.
Category B Write-off
If the proposed repair on a damaged vehicle is uneconomical or its structure unsafe, it is classified under Category B. Category B vehicles are not legally usable on public roads. However, some parts can be recovered and used in another vehicle. Category B write-offs are vehicles that have undergone repairable structural damage, fire damage, or structural damage.
Category C or S Write-off
Vehicles assigned under this category are repairable. However, the cost of repairs is more than the vehicle’s value before the accident or damage. Such damages are usually due to minor fire damage, water damage, or moderate collisions. The UK regulations classify this category as Category S.
Category D or N Write-off
Suppose a vehicle suffers superficial damage but remains structurally safe. In that case, it comes under Category D or N. It is still usable on the road when the scrapes, dents, and other cosmetic damages are repaired. However, it’s a write-off in the first instance because the cost of repairs is more than the value of the vehicle before the accident. The UK regulations classify this category as Category N.
What does each write-off category mean for me?
Another name for Categories A and B vehicles is End of Life Vehicles. Any write-off vehicle assigned under these categories must be documented at the Department of Transport before transferring to an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF). They are not sellable as vehicles usable on public roads.
It is not against the law to sell Category C or D write-offs particularly if the damage is of a superficial nature. However it is recommended a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle if it has a write-off history.
It is also worth bearing in mind that if you purchase a vehicle that is a Category C or D write-off that you are obligated to declare same to your insurance provider.
As always when purchasing a used vehicle, if you feel in any way unsure about your purchase don’t be afraid to walk away.
How to Determine if the Vehicle Has Been Written-Off?
A Cartell car history check on a previous or current UK registration number will disclose if a vehicle has been categoised as a category A, B, C (S in the Uk )or D (N in the UK).
Unfortunately for Irish Vehicle registration numbers the Department of Transport do not release Category C and D data so this information is not available.
A Cartell car history check however will inform you if a vehicle has ever been recorded as damaged and the date that this happened.
Cartell cannot disclose any personal or additional information about any damage alert, but we would strongly advise that if you have already, or are considering purchasing this vehicle, that you have it thoroughly inspected by a certified mechanic, and that you inform your insurance company. Also please note that the car will generate a damage alert if a buyer runs a Cartell car history check on it, and this may affect their intention to buy.