Insurance write-off categories at a glance
- A. Scrap.
- B. Break.
- S. Structurally damaged repairable.
- N. Non-structurally damaged repairable.
What is the lowest category of car write off?
Category N write-offs have got non-structural damage, but are still damaged enough that the insurer has decided not to repair it. It can often involve damage to the car's electrics. The car is not safe to drive without repair.
What does category B mean on a car?
Cat B cars, or break for parts cars Category B write-offs have suffered severe damage that can't be repaired. The remains of the car can be stripped for parts for use on other vehicles, but the chassis and/or body shell must be scrapped because this may have suffered serious or irreparable damage.
What are the cat categories?
You may have heard about written-off cars, but what exactly does that mean? There are now four insurance categories for damaged cars; Cat A, B, S, and N. Cat C and D have been replaced by S and N. Category N is now the most significant, replacing the widely-understood 'Cat D'.
What does category D mean?
These vehicles are often for sale at a low price and may seem to be a better deal than other similar models. However, buying a Cat D car means that you are buying a vehicle that has previously been 'written off' by an insurance company. These cars can be more difficult to insure and can have a chequered past.