What is cat a, cat b, cat s or cat n write off?
These categories signify the four levels of damage done to a vehicle and are used by the insurance industry to describe cars that have been involved in accidents. These cars have then been deemed too expensive to repair compared to the cost of the vehicle by the insurer. Most often, cars in these categories are priced extremely alluringly but these are often the models to avoid.
So what do each of the categories mean?
Write Off
First it's important to establish what a write off is. The insurance company will declare a car a write-off if it has been damaged and is not worth restoring. If the cost of repairs exceeds 50% of the vehicle's market value at the time of the accident, insurers will label it a write-off.
To look out for a car that’s been written off and repaired shoddily, consider these:
Look out for a price that’s too good to be true
Check the VIN number, you usually find this at the bottom of the windscreen, in the chassis near the engine, or by the plastic trim on the car door. If this doesn’t match the vehicle log book, something’s up.
Look out for mismatched colours or any paint splatter in the interior.
Category A-
Category A are most associated with scrap cars- aka the most badly damaged that are too uneconomical to repair. No parts can be salvaged from it as it is deemed beyond repair and unroadworthy.
Category B-
In this instance, the letter B stands for ‘break’. This means the car is very badly damaged and again beyond repair, however can be broken down for parts. If this isn’t financially in the owners best interests, then it can be sold for scrap.
Category S-
Category C (Cat C) has been superseded by Category S as of October 1, 2017. (Cat S). Vehicles in this category have substantial structural damage but can be restored and resold with the help of a trained mechanic.
Because the decision of category is now based on whether a repair is feasible rather than whether it is economically viable, the category name was changed. Most insurers, on the other hand, will continue to prioritise the latter, preferring to pay out on a claim rather than spend additional money on a repair.
Category N-
Known formerly as category D, this indicates cars that have been in an accident, but the integrity of the structural frame hasn’t been compromised. However, components such as suspension or steering may need replacing. If these are properly repaired, the vehicle can return to the road.
So, should you buy a car that’s been written off?
The prices of category A,B,S and N cars may be tempting, but you have to ensure they’re repaired properly and safe to drive for it to be worth it.
Buying a category S or N can be ok if it’s been professionally repaired. Be sure to perform the three following things if you’re considering buying a category S or N write off:
Check that the vehicle has been properly repaired and it’s roadworthy
Ask who handled or repaired the vehicle between it being declared a total loss and its repair
Get a report on the vehicle from an independent expert or an engineer. They’ll be able to identify any structural damage to the vehicle.
As for category A or B vehicles, these shouldn’t be resold. If you’re buying parts from a category B just be wary of the exact condition of the salvage car itself, and the circumstances in which it was written off. Also remember they can’t be repaired with the intention of putting them back on the road.