Vehicle insurance write-off categories

When a car is written-off following an accident, the damage incurred means that it will fall into one of four categories. These categories were last revised in October 2017.

Category A

The vehicle has been destroyed or burned beyond recognition and must be crushed whole.

Category B

Vehicles can be broken for parts, subject to being drained of all hazardous fluids, after which the shell must be crushed and the DVLA issued with a Certificate of Destruction (COD).

Category S

The vehicle has suffered structural damage. It can be repaired so long as it is to a roadworthy condition. A marker is then attached to the V5C (logbook).

Category N

The vehicle has suffered non-structural damage. It can be repaired so long as it is to a roadworthy condition.

NOTE:

It is possible that older cars being sold on the secondhand market may still fall into two categories that have now been discontinued officially:

Category C

Can be repaired, but it would cost more than the vehicle’s worth. Can be used again if repaired to a roadworthy condition.

Category D

Can be repaired and would cost less than the vehicle’s worth, but other costs may exceed the vehicle’s value. Can be used again if repaired to a roadworthy condition.