Category history
Review structural or non-structural damage categories where insurer data is available.
Damage and write-off guide
Insurance Write-Off Check
Check a UK registration for warning signs linked to previous accident damage, insurer write-off categories and value risk before you buy.
- Instant UK registration lookup
- MOT, mileage and vehicle details
- Upgrade for deeper history checks
Free registration lookup MOT & mileage records Full report: £9.95 Check before you pay
Can you check if a car has been written off?
A registration check helps you confirm the vehicle identity and review available history markers. If a write-off category appears, treat it as a reason to slow down, inspect the repair evidence and price the car against the risk.
- Check whether the advert, V5C and report describe the same vehicle.
- Look for Cat S, Cat N or older category wording where data is available.
- Ask for repair invoices, photos and an independent inspection.
- Use the marker to negotiate or walk away if the paperwork is weak.
What a write-off check helps reveal
A write-off marker can change safety questions, resale value, finance options and insurance conversations. The report gives you a better starting point before you view the car.
Repair confidence
A legal repaired write-off still needs close inspection of repair quality, alignment, paint and invoices.
Value risk
Cars with damage markers are often worth less than clean-history examples, even after repair.
Seller questions
Use the result to ask direct questions before paying for travel, inspection or a deposit.
Important: A history report is a decision tool, not a mechanical inspection. If a vehicle has a write-off marker, inspect repairs and paperwork carefully.
Enter the registration
Start with the number plate so the vehicle can be identified correctly.
Review the risk markers
Check whether write-off, mileage, MOT or identity issues change the deal.
Ask for proof
Request repair records, photos, invoices and an independent inspection if anything looks unclear.
Common questions
Is a write-off always unsafe?
No. Some vehicles are repaired and returned to the road, but the marker should make you verify repair quality, documentation and value carefully.
What is the difference between Cat S and Cat N?
Cat S relates to structural damage and Cat N relates to non-structural damage. Both can affect value and buyer confidence.
Should I buy a written-off car?
Only if the price, paperwork and inspection all support the risk. If evidence is missing, it is safer to pause.
Related vehicle checks
Check the vehicle before you decide
Run a fresh check with Car Check Experts before you view, negotiate or pay a deposit.
Enter a registrationHow to use this insurance write-off check before buying
Use this page as part of a wider vehicle check, not as a one-off answer. The safest buyers compare the online result with the V5C, VIN, MOT record, seller story, service evidence and physical condition before paying a deposit or arranging collection.
Check before travelling
Run the relevant registration check before you spend time on a viewing. If the vehicle record already conflicts with the advert, ask for evidence or reject the car early.
Compare documents
The V5C, service invoices, MOT record, receipt and seller messages should support the result. Missing documents are not always fatal, but they should change the price and risk decision.
Inspect the real vehicle
At the viewing, compare the VIN, plate, mileage, colour, trim, warning lights and condition with the report. A clean online result is weaker if the car does not match it.
Decide before payment
Resolve finance, stolen, write-off, mileage, insurance, service and identity questions before money moves. Do not rely on verbal promises after payment.