Car Write Off Check: see the insurance history before you buy
Find out if a UK vehicle has ever been recorded as a Cat A, B, S or N insurance write-off. Our write off check pulls directly from insurer and DVLA data, so you know exactly what you are buying.
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Cat A, B, S and N covered
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What we check
Our write off check cross-references insurer records held on the Motor Insurance Anti-Fraud and Theft Register (MIAFTR), damage data from Experian, and vehicle records held by the DVLA. If a UK insurer has ever declared the car a total loss, the marker shows up in your report.
You will see the write-off category, the date it was recorded, and whether the vehicle returned to the road. The ABI Salvage Code defines how categories are applied, and you can read the official guidance at gov.uk.
Why a write off check matters
An insurance write-off is a vehicle the insurer decided was uneconomical or unsafe to repair. Cat A and Cat B cars should never return to the road, and Cat S or Cat N cars should only be driven after a proper structural repair. A private seller is not legally required to volunteer this history, so you need to check yourself.
Undisclosed write-offs are a common reason buyers overpay or end up with an unsafe car. A quick vehicle write-off check confirms whether the price matches the history, and gives you a documented record if you later need to challenge the seller. Citizens Advice has more on your rights when buying a used car at citizensadvice.org.uk.
Understanding Cat A, B, S and N
Cat A means the vehicle must be crushed in full, including every part. Cat B means the body shell must be crushed, though some salvageable parts may be reused. Both categories are permanent bans from UK roads.
Cat S covers structural damage that has been repaired, such as chassis or suspension work. Cat N covers non-structural damage, typically body panels, lights or electrics. A Cat S or Cat N car can legally be driven again once repaired and deemed roadworthy, but the marker stays on the DVLA record for the life of the vehicle.
What’s included in your report
Full write-off category, including Cat A, B, S and N markers
Date the loss was recorded by the insurer
Scrapped, exported or still active on the DVLA record
Stolen markers sourced from Police (PNC) data
Mileage anomalies and full MOT history
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How it works
Enter the registration
Type the UK number plate into the search bar. You do not need any paperwork from the seller.
Confirm the vehicle
We pull the make, model and colour from DVLA so you can confirm you are checking the right car.
Get your full report
Your write off check, along with finance, stolen and mileage data, lands in your inbox within seconds.
Common questions
Is it illegal to sell a Cat S or Cat N car?
No. Cat S and Cat N vehicles can be sold and driven legally once repaired to a roadworthy standard. However, the seller should disclose the category, and the marker remains on the DVLA record permanently.
Can I do a DVLA write-off check for free?
The free DVLA vehicle enquiry service confirms tax and MOT status, but it does not show insurance write-off history. That data sits on industry registers such as MIAFTR, which CarVerify pulls into a single report.
How fast will I get my report?
Reports are generated instantly. The full PDF is emailed to you within seconds of payment, and you can view it online from any device.
What if the report misses a write-off?
Every CarVerify report is backed by a £30,000 data guarantee on the finance and write-off information we supply. If the data we provided turns out to be wrong, you are covered.
How much does a car write off check cost?
A single full report is £9.99. CarVerify+ gives you a 7 day trial at £4.99, then £9.99 every 4 weeks, with unlimited checks, AI Buyer’s Briefings and Ask Reg mechanic chat.
Don’t buy an undisclosed write-off
Run a car write off check before you part with any cash. A clean history, or a clear category, in under a minute.
£30k guarantee