Written Off Car Check
Buying a used car requires due diligence. And a write-off check has to be top of the ‘to-do’ list. Not only will it tell you if a car has been written-off, but it will let you know why. And it’s the ‘why’ that matters. Is it too damaged or old to be considered safe? Or is the damage minor, but for insurance purposes not worth repairing? Find out in seconds if it’s worth your investment and your trust by typing the car’s reg into the box below.
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Why do you need a car write-off check?
According to research, a car’s written-off approximately every 1.5 minutes in the UK. That’s around 384,000 vehicles every year. Which means the used market’s flooded with them. Making sure the vehicle you want to buy is safe to drive is a vital part of the buying process.
Most used car dealers will let you know if the vehicle you're interested in has been written-off. But there are those who won’t. And with a used car it really isn’t worth taking the risk. So, how do you find out? A write-off check is how.
Using the vehicle registration number, our write-off check searches industry databases to find out if the car has been logged as written-off. And then it goes one step further.
Unlike other vehicle checks, a DVLA write-off check isn’t a simple case of ‘yes it is’ or ‘no it isn’t’. When it comes to a car write-off check, the devi’s in the detail.
Is the car totally unroadworthy? Or does it have superficial damage that doesn’t affect use? Our write-off check has the answers.
Just type the car number plate into the search box above, choose your report type and it will let you know in seconds if the vehicle is:
Category A: Ready for the scrapyard
A Category A write-off is considered too damaged or too old to be repaired.
Category B: Heading for a break up
A Category B write-off is considered too damaged or old to be repaired, but may have some sellable parts.
Category S: A restoration project
A Category S write-off has some structural damage to the chassis structure which can be repaired.
Category N: Structurally sound
A Category N write-off has superficial damage which is repairable and doesn’t affect the car’s use.
How our vehicle checks work?
Enter registration number
Simply type the car’s number plate into the input field above and click 'Check Now'.
Your registration number or number plate is also referred to as your VRM (Vehicle Registration Mark). It includes numbers and letters and is found on the front and rear of the vehicle.
Choose a report type
A free DVLA vehicle check report will be displayed. To source more information, choose from our standard vehicle check, full check or multi-check options.
Want to add more to your standard vehicle check, but don’t want the full check? No problem. Customise your report by selecting individual add-ons.
View your car report
After entering the required payment information into our secure checkout, you’ll be automatically redirected to your report.
We’ll also send you an order confirmation email with a link to your car check report, so you can access it anytime, anywhere.
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Written Off Check FAQ's
Used by insurance companies, a car that’s considered a ‘write-off’ is either:
- a car that’s so badly damaged that it isn’t safe to drive, or
- a damaged car that’s worth less than the cost to repair it.
There are four main write-off categories: A, B, S and N. Category A means that the car must be scrapped. Category B means the car can only be used for parts. Category S means the car has structural damage. Category N refers to a car that’s been written off but has superficial damage.
If the car you’re interested in falls into either category A or B, it isn’t safe to drive. Both categories S and N are safe to drive on the road as long as they’re properly repaired.
Our insurance write-off check will tell you what category the car falls under so you can buy with your eyes wide open.
A car that’s a write-off is difficult to sell on. But, if you’re looking for a motor you plan to keep hold of, a category S or N write-off could represent value for money. Cheaper than an equivalent car without write-off status, as long as the checks stand up you could get a good deal. But remember to factor in the insurance - some companies will charge more, or even refuse to insure, a write-off.
Our write-off check comes as part of a package of comprehensive car checks. As well as finding out if a car is written off or not (and why), it will let you know if it’s been scrapped or imported, if there’s any history of plate changes and what its MOT record is like. Upgrade to our full check and you’ll also find out if it’s been stolen or has outstanding finance, get an idea of valuation and the number of previous keepers, and get the lowdown on its mileage history.
When it comes to cars, safety comes first. A car that’s been written off could be an accident waiting to happen. Or it could be a solid, reliable ride. It could be costly to repair and run. Or it could be a reliable and reasonable bargain. A write-off history check is the only way of gauging where on the scale it sits.
Written-off cars are more common than you think. According to research, a car’s written-off approximately every 1.5 minutes in the UK. That’s around 384,000 vehicles every year. So, chances are you’re likely to stumble across at least one in your search for a used vehicle.
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