Insurance Write-Off Check

Find out if a vehicle has been declared an insurance write-off. Check for Category A, B, S and N markers before you buy.

Last updated: 13 June 2026

An insurance write-off check reveals whether a vehicle has been declared a total loss by an insurer, categorised as A (scrap), B (break), S (structural damage), or N (non-structural damage). Category S and N vehicles can be legally resold after repair, so buyers may not know without checking.

What Is an Insurance Write-Off?

A vehicle is "written off" when an insurance company decides the cost of repair exceeds a certain percentage of the vehicle's value - or when the damage is so severe the car can never be safely repaired. Write-offs are recorded on the MIAFTR (Motor Insurers' Anti-Fraud and Theft Register).

Crucially, Category S and N vehicles can be legally resold after repair. This means you could unknowingly buy a car that's been in a serious accident. A write-off check reveals this history so you can make an informed decision.

Write-Off Categories Explained

Category A - Scrap

The entire vehicle must be crushed. Nothing can be salvaged. These vehicles should never appear for sale.

Category B - Break

The body shell must be crushed, but usable parts can be stripped and sold. The vehicle itself cannot be put back on the road.

Category S - Structural Damage

The vehicle has sustained structural damage (e.g. chassis, crumple zones) but can be professionally repaired and returned to the road. Must be re-inspected before being driven.

Category N - Non-Structural Damage

Damage is non-structural (e.g. cosmetic panels, electrics, engine). The vehicle can be repaired and does not need a formal re-inspection, though repair quality should be verified.

Why Write-Off History Matters

Safety - poorly repaired structural damage can compromise crash protection
Value - write-off history significantly reduces a vehicle's resale value
Insurance - some insurers charge higher premiums or refuse to cover previously written-off vehicles
Transparency - sellers are not legally required to disclose write-off history

What's Included in Your Report

MIAFTR register write-off check
Category identification (A, B, S or N)
Plus stolen, finance, mileage and MOT checks

Frequently asked

What are Cat A, B, S and N write-offs?

Cat A is the most severe (scrap only, the body shell must be crushed). Cat B is body-shell-only damage where the chassis can be reused. Cat S means structurally damaged but repairable. Cat N means non-structural damage but repairable - the lightest category. S and N cars can legally return to the road after repair.

Is a Cat S or Cat N car safe to buy?

It can be, but only if it's been repaired to a high standard and the price reflects the history. A Cat S or N marker is permanent on the vehicle record and will affect resale value and insurance. Our report flags any write-off marker and the date it was recorded.

Does the report show damage photos?

No. UK insurance write-off data from the MIAFTR register includes the category and date but not photographs of the damage. For European import damage photos, providers like CarVertical can sometimes supply them at a higher price point.

Check for Insurance Write-Offs

Enter a registration to find out if a vehicle has been declared a write-off by an insurance company.

Run a Write-Off Check Now