What is a Cat A, Cat B, Cat S, or Cat N Write-off Car?
| Write-off Category | Description | Repair Possibility | Can it be Driven Again? |
| Cat A | Total destruction, extreme structural damage. | No repairs possible | No, must be scrapped entirely. |
| Cat B | Severe structural damage, but parts salvageable. | Only parts can be reused, not the car | No, the vehicle cannot be driven. |
| Cat S | Structural damage, but repairable. | Yes, repairs can be done. | Yes, after repairs. |
| Cat N | Non-structural damage, easier to repair. | Yes, repairs are easier and cheaper. | Yes, after repairs. |
A write-off car is a car that has been damaged. The damage can be big or small. The insurance company looks at the damage. They decide if the car is too damaged. They also decide if it costs too much to fix. When this happens, the car gets a label. This label tells you if the car is a Cat A, Cat B, Cat S, or Cat N write-off. This article explains each of these categories.
What is a Write-off?
When a car is damaged, it might be a write-off. This happens when the cost to fix the car is too high. The insurance company pays for the damage. They decide if the car should be fixed or if it is too damaged. If the car is too damaged, they call it a total loss vehicle. If the car can still be fixed, it might be a repairable car.
Some cars get big damage, like to the chassis or structure. Other cars get small damage. The small damage might be on the outside of the car. These cars are not as bad. We call these cars non-structural damage cars.
Cat A Write-off Cars
A Cat A car is the worst type of write-off. These cars are very damaged. They have structural damage. The damage is so bad that the car cannot be fixed. A Cat A car must go to a vehicle scrappage place. The whole car gets scrapped. You cannot take any parts from it. It cannot go back on the road.
Cat B Write-off Cars
A Cat B car is also very damaged. But it is not as bad as a Cat A car. Cat B cars also have structural damage. You cannot drive these cars again. But you can use some of the parts. A Cat B car must also go to a vehicle scrappage place. But people can take parts before it gets scrapped. These parts can be used on other cars.
Cat S Write-off Cars
A Cat S car has structural damage, but it can be fixed. The damage can be repaired. After the repairs, this car can go back on the road. It is very important to get the car fixed by professionals. You need to make sure the car repair costs are worth it. Always get a car inspection before you buy a Cat S car.
Cat N Write-off Cars
A Cat N car is not as bad as a Cat S car. This car does not have structural damage. The damage is non-structural. It might be to the doors, lights, or mirrors. These parts can be fixed. Once fixed, the car can go back on the road. You still need to be careful when buying a Cat N car. Always get a vehicle history check.
How Car Repair Costs Affect Write-Offs
When a car is damaged, the insurance company looks at the cost to fix it. They also look at how much the car is worth. If the car repair costs are too high, the car is a write-off. Some cars are cheaper to fix. These cars might still go back on the road. The repair costs depend on how bad the structural damage or non-structural damage is.
What is a Salvage Title?
A salvage title is given to a car that was in an accident. The car might be repaired, but it was once damaged. These cars might be from Cat B or Cat S write-offs. A salvaged vehicle can be fixed and driven again. You need to be careful when buying a salvaged car. It is important to check the repairs. You might need to buy new parts to make the car safe.
Vehicle Scrappage and Total Loss Cars
Sometimes a car is so damaged that it cannot be repaired. This car is called a total loss vehicle. It goes to a vehicle scrappage place. Cat A cars must always be scrapped. You cannot fix them. You also cannot take any parts. But with Cat B cars, people can use some parts before scrapping them.
