An insurance write-off means an insurer assessed a vehicle as a total loss. Some written-off vehicles can return to the road after repair, but their history deserves careful investigation before you buy.
What the categories mean
Categories A and B are not for return to the road. Categories S and N may be repaired and used again, subject to the relevant requirements: S indicates structural damage, while N indicates non-structural damage. A category describes the insurer’s assessment, not a guarantee about the quality of later repairs.
Before buying a previously written-off car
- Ask for the damage and repair records, including photographs and invoices.
- Check the vehicle’s VIN and registration against the paperwork.
- Arrange an independent inspection, especially for structural repairs.
- Get an insurance quote before paying.
- Compare the asking price with the history and condition.
A vehicle provenance check can reveal recorded insurance write-off markers, but the record should be read alongside an inspection. See the GOV.UK guide to buying repaired written-off vehicles for more detail.
What if no marker appears?
No recorded marker is not proof that a vehicle has never been damaged. Some repairs are paid privately and do not create an insurer total-loss record. Ask the seller directly, inspect the bodywork and request repair documentation.