How to check if a car has been written off

A car is written off when it has suffered significant damage and an insurer decides it’s not worth repairing. This doesn’t always mean the car is unsafe, but it does mean the cost to fix it is more than the car is worth.

Insurers use different categories to explain how badly the car was damaged:

• Category A means the car must be destroyed and can never be used again.
• Category B allows for safe parts to be removed, but the car itself must be crushed.
• Category S (previously Category C) means the car had structural damage but could be repaired and used again.
• Category N (previously Category D) means there was non-structural damage, like electrical faults or cosmetic issues.

Each category tells you something important about the type and extent of damage the car has had. Knowing this can help you decide whether the car is safe, fairly priced, and suitable for finance or insurance. It also helps you avoid surprises later if you decide to sell or trade in the car.

Buying a car that’s been written off comes with several risks that you need to consider carefully. While these vehicles can sometimes be cheaper, the lower price often reflects hidden concerns like safety issues, reduced resale value, or trouble getting insurance or finance. Before you commit, it’s important to weigh these potential downsides against any savings and make sure you fully understand the car’s condition and history.

• It may not be safe: Even if repaired, the car might not meet the same safety standards it once did.
• It can be harder to finance: Most lenders will not finance Category A or B vehicles, and some avoid Category S or N cars too.
• Insurance could cost more: Insurers may charge more or refuse to insure a car with a write-off history.
• Warranties may not apply: If something goes wrong later, you may not be covered.

Written-off cars can be cheaper to buy, but it’s important to weigh that against the risks and the potential cost of future repairs.

If your car is written off after an accident, it can be a stressful and confusing time. Knowing what steps to take can make the process smoother and help protect your finances. From making sure everyone is safe to contacting your insurer and understanding what happens next, here’s what to do straight away if your car is declared a write-off:

• Report the accident: If the other driver doesn’t stop, or you suspect they are uninsured or unfit to drive, call the police. Make sure they are contacted within 24 hours.
• Get details: Collect names, numbers, and registration plates from anyone involved or who witnessed the accident.
• Contact your insurer: Start the claim as soon as possible. You’ll be given a reference number and told what to do next.

The insurer will arrange for someone to inspect your car and decide whether it can be repaired or should be written off.

Yes, you’re still responsible for paying off your car finance, even if the car has been written off and can’t be driven. The finance agreement is separate from the car’s condition, so your lender will still expect the remaining balance to be paid unless it's cleared by your insurance pay-out or covered by GAP insurance.

• The insurer will value your car and decide how much they’ll pay.
• If the car is on finance, the insurer usually pays the finance provider directly.
• If the insurance pay-out is lower than your remaining finance balance, you’ll need to pay the difference.
• This shortfall can come as a surprise, so it’s important to check your policy and speak to your lender early on.

If your car is on finance, contact your provider as soon as it’s written off. They’ll give you a settlement figure, the amount needed to clear the finance, which you’ll need to pass on to your insurer.

GAP insurance (Guaranteed Asset Protection) is designed to protect you financially if your car is written off and the insurance pay-out doesn’t fully cover the amount left on your finance agreement.

When a car is declared a total loss, your insurer will only pay out the vehicle’s current market value. But cars lose value quickly, especially in the first few years. That can leave you owing more than the pay-out and that’s where GAP insurance comes in.

GAP insurance covers the difference between:

• What your standard car insurance pays out, and
• What you still owe to your finance provider.

Here’s how it works:

• It’s a separate policy, so you’ll need to buy it in addition to your regular car insurance.
• If your car is written off or stolen, you must notify both your car insurer and your GAP insurer.
• Once your car insurer confirms the total loss and pays out, the GAP insurer will pay the shortfall directly to your finance provider.

GAP insurance is particularly helpful if:

• You bought a new or nearly new car that has depreciated quickly.
• You paid a small deposit or opted for zero-deposit finance.
• Your finance balance is higher than the car’s market value.

While it’s not legally required, it can offer peace of mind and prevent unexpected debt if something goes wrong early in your agreement.

Yes, in some cases you can keep your car after it’s been written off, depending on the insurance write-off category and your insurer’s policies.

Here’s what to know:

• Category S (structural damage) and Category N (non-structural damage) vehicles can sometimes be bought back from the insurer.
• If you choose this option, the insurer will still pay you the vehicle’s market value but deduct the salvage value from your pay-out.
• Once you take ownership again, it’s your responsibility to repair the car and ensure it passes the necessary safety and MOT checks before driving it.

This could be a practical option if:

• You’re confident the damage can be repaired safely and cost-effectively.
• You have sentimental attachment to the vehicle.
• You want to control the repair process yourself.

Important:

• You must declare the car’s write-off status when selling it in the future.
• Some insurers may charge more or refuse to cover repaired write-offs.

After your claim is complete, you’re free to search for a replacement car. If your previous car was on finance, keep hold of any documents proving the finance agreement was settled—you’ll need this if you plan to apply for car finance again.