Guides › Cat S vs Cat N write-offs
Car written
off?
What’s the difference between Cat S and Cat N?
The short answer
Cat S and Cat N are both repairable write-offs. Cat S means the vehicle’s structure, such as the chassis or frame, was damaged. Cat N means the damage was non-structural, such as body panels, lights or electrics. Both can go back on the road once properly repaired. Cat A and Cat B write-offs can’t. After a non-fault accident, the category doesn’t change what you’re owed: you should get your vehicle’s value before the accident, recovered from the at-fault driver’s insurer.
What are the four write-off categories?
When an insurer decides a vehicle is a write-off, it puts it into one of four categories. These replaced the old Cat C and Cat D in October 2017.
| Category | Can it be repaired? | Can it go back on the road? |
|---|---|---|
| A | No | No. The whole vehicle must be crushed |
| B | No | No. The body shell must be crushed, but parts can be salvaged |
| S | Yes, after structural damage | Yes, once repaired to a roadworthy condition |
| N | Yes, after non-structural damage | Yes, once repaired to a roadworthy condition |
Source: GOV.UK, insurance write-offs
What’s the difference between Cat S and Cat N?
| SCat S | NCat N | |
|---|---|---|
| Type of damage | Structural, such as the chassis, frame or crumple zones | Non-structural, such as panels, lights, trim or electrics |
| Your log book (V5C) | Must be replaced. DVLA records the category on the new one | You can keep your existing log book |
| Selling it later | Must be disclosed to buyers | Must be disclosed to buyers |
| Insuring it later | Some insurers won’t cover it, or charge more | Usually easier, but still disclosed |
Good to know: a Cat N write-off isn’t always minor damage. A car can be a Cat N because repairs would cost more than it’s worth, even when the structure is sound.
Who decides the category?
The insurer decides whether a vehicle is a write-off and which category it falls into, usually after an engineer inspects it. After a non-fault accident, that’s normally the at-fault driver’s insurer. If you think the category or the decision is wrong, you can ask for the engineer’s report and question it.
Can I keep my car if it’s Cat S or Cat N?
Yes. If you want to keep a Cat S or Cat N vehicle, the insurer pays you its value and sells the vehicle back to you, usually by deducting its salvage value from your settlement. GOV.UK sets out what to do:
- Keep your registration number, if you want it, by applying to take it off the vehicle first.
- Tell DVLA the vehicle has been written off. You can be fined £1,000 if you don’t.
- For Cat S: send the complete log book to the insurer and apply for a free duplicate using form V62. DVLA will record the category in the new log book.
- For Cat N: you can keep your log book.
Before you drive it again, the vehicle must be repaired to a roadworthy condition, and you’ll need insurance that covers a previously written-off vehicle.
If you don’t want to keep it, send your log book to the insurer, keeping the yellow “sell, transfer or part-exchange” section, and they’ll usually deal with the vehicle.
Does the category affect my settlement?
After a non-fault accident, your settlement should be based on what your vehicle was worth immediately before the accident, not on its category. Where the category does matter is if you keep the car: a Cat S or Cat N history usually lowers what it’s worth when you come to sell it.
If you think the valuation is too low, evidence helps: adverts for similar vehicles, your service history, and details of any extras or recent work.
Read our guide to what happens if your car is written off, or see car written off.
What else can I claim after a write-off?
As well as your vehicle’s value, losses you may be able to recover from the at-fault insurer include:
- Recovery and storage charges
- A replacement vehicle while the claim is resolved
- Your policy excess, if you claimed on your own insurance first
- Items damaged in the vehicle, such as a child seat or phone holder
- Travel costs and lost earnings
See uninsured losses.
Frequently asked questions
Is it worth buying back a Cat S or Cat N car?
It depends on the repair cost, what the car will be worth afterwards, and whether you can insure it at a reasonable price. Get a repair quote and an insurance quote before you decide.
Will a write-off affect my no claims bonus if it wasn’t my fault?
If all your losses are recovered from the at-fault driver’s insurer, your no claims bonus shouldn’t usually be affected. See our no claims bonus guide.
What happened to Cat C and Cat D?
They were replaced by Cat S and Cat N in October 2017. Older vehicles may still show Cat C or Cat D on a history check.
My car is on finance and it’s been written off. What happens?
The settlement normally goes towards the outstanding finance first. If you still owe more than the car was worth, check whether you have gap insurance, and speak to your finance provider.
Car written off in an accident that wasn’t your fault?
We’ll help you get a settlement that reflects your vehicle’s value before the accident, and recover your other losses. There’s no obligation to go ahead.
This guide provides general information for England and Wales only and is not legal advice. Every claim is different. Back on the Road UK is a trading style of NJS Law Limited, authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA No. 8006550).