At a Glance: What the Categories Mean
Category A / Category B: Cannot return to the road (ever).
- Category C / Category D (legacy): Repairable categories that may still appear on history reports (especially older or imported vehicles).
- Category S / Category N (UK since Oct 2017): Repairable categories that may return to the road if repaired to a safe standard.
Vehicle Written-Off Information
Vehicle written-off information shown on Carzone and CarsIreland is provided by Cartell, Ireland’s vehicle history and data provider.
What is a Write-Off?
A write-off is a vehicle recorded by an insurance company as a total loss due to damage or a theft-related claim.
If the insurer considers the vehicle repairable, only proceed with purchasing once you are satisfied that repairs have been completed to a high standard and that the vehicle is roadworthy. The safest way to confirm this is by having the vehicle inspected by a qualified engineer. The AA offers this service, and other providers are also available.
For theft-related write-offs (theft claims), the vehicle was stolen, and the insurance claim was paid out, making the insurer the legal owner. The vehicle may later be recovered either in good condition or with damage. While some recovered vehicles can legally return to the road, many are unsuitable for repair or may be structurally compromised.
Written-Off Categories Explained
Category A – Must Be Scrapped
Category A vehicles must be completely scrapped. No parts or components may be reused or sold except as scrap metal.
These vehicles are typically severely damaged, such as:
- Total burnout
- Severe flood damage
- Stripped or destroyed vehicle shells
Disposal notes:
- UK: DVLA requires a Notification of Destruction
- Ireland: Vehicle must be disposed of at an authorised treatment facility (ATF) and issued a Certificate of Destruction, after which it becomes an End-of-Life Vehicle (ELV)
Category B – Parts Salvage Only
Category B vehicles cannot return to the road, but certain non-safety-critical parts may be salvaged for use in other vehicles. The bodyshell/chassis must not be returned to the road. Care must be taken to ensure that safety-critical components are not reused.
Disposal notes:
- UK: DVLA requires a Notification of Destruction, but parts may be removed and sold
- Ireland: Vehicle must be disposed of at an authorised treatment facility (ATF) and issued a Certificate of Destruction, after which it becomes an End-of-Life Vehicle (ELV)
Category C – Repairable (Legacy Category)
Category C vehicles are repairable, but the cost of parts and labour exceeds the vehicle’s pre-accident value (PAV). This is commonly referred to as an economic write-off.
This category usually applies to vehicles with significant damage. According to the Motor Insurers Anti-Fraud and Theft Register (MIAFTR), Category C vehicles are repairable total loss vehicles where repair costs (including VAT) exceed the PAV.
Category C may still appear on vehicle history reports, particularly for older vehicles or imported vehicles.
Category D – Repairable (Legacy Category)
Category D vehicles are economically repairable, but insurers may choose not to repair them due to additional costs, such as:
- Replacement vehicle hire
- Delays in sourcing specialist parts
MIAFTR defines Category D vehicles as repairable total loss vehicles where repair costs (including VAT) do not exceed the PAV.
Category D may still appear on vehicle history reports, particularly for older vehicles or imported vehicles.
New UK Written-Off Categories (Since October 2017)
Since October 2017, insurers in the UK no longer use Categories C and D and instead use the following classifications:
Category S – Structural Damage
A repairable vehicle that has sustained damage to any part of the structural frame or chassis, but the insurer has decided not to repair it.
A Category S marker means structural damage was recorded at the time of the insurance claim. Some vehicles may later be repaired and returned to the road, but additional checks are essential.
Category N – Non-Structural Damage
A repairable vehicle that has not sustained damage to the structural frame or chassis, but the insurer has decided not to repair it.
Category N can still involve significant damage (for example, mechanical, electrical, or cosmetic), and the vehicle should be assessed carefully before purchase.
Buying a Written-Off Vehicle (Repaired)
If you are considering buying a vehicle that has been written off and repaired:
- Always request full repair documentation (invoices, parts lists, photos if available)
- Have the vehicle inspected by a qualified engineer
- Be aware that resale value may be lower
- Insurance premiums or availability of cover may be affected
- Verify roadworthiness and compliance before purchase (requirements can vary by vehicle and circumstances)
Not all written-off vehicles are unsafe, but additional checks are essential.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can a written-off vehicle be legally driven again?
Yes, depending on the category. Category A and Category B vehicles can never return to the road. Repairable vehicles (such as Category C, D, S or N) may return to the road if they have been repaired to a safe standard and meet all relevant requirements.
Should I buy a repaired written-off vehicle?
It’s not necessarily a problem, but it carries higher risk. You should always obtain an independent engineer’s inspection and review all repair records before purchasing.
Will a written-off vehicle affect insurance?
It can. Some insurers may:
- Charge higher premiums
- Require an engineer’s report
- Refuse cover altogether
Always check with your insurer before buying a repaired written-off.
Why would an insurer write off a car that looks repairable?
A vehicle may be written off even if it appears repairable due to:
- High repair costs relative to value
- Replacement vehicle hire costs
- Long repair times or parts delays
Why do UK written-off categories appear on Irish vehicles?
Many vehicles in Ireland are imported from the UK, and UK written-off categories (including legacy Categories C and D and newer Categories S and N) can appear on vehicle history reports.
Where will I see written-off information on Carzone/CarsIreland?
If written-off data is available for a vehicle, it may be shown within the vehicle listing and/or within a linked vehicle history check section (where provided). The exact placement can vary by site and page type.
Can a seller remove a written-off marker?
No. Written-off markers come from vehicle history data sources and cannot be removed by sellers or dealers. If the information is genuinely incorrect, it must be disputed with the data provider.
What if my vehicle shows as written off incorrectly?
If you believe a vehicle’s written-off information is incorrect, please contact Cartell Customer Support with:
- The vehicle registration number
- Any supporting documentation or relevant details
Cartell provides vehicle history data used across Carzone and CarsIreland and can review the information and advise on next steps.
Cartell Customer Support: Contact Cartell Support (https://www.cartell.ie/contact-us/)