In short
- Cat A: scrap only. The vehicle must never return to the road.
- Cat B: break for parts. The shell must be crushed; parts can be reused.
- Cat S: repairable, but structurally damaged. It needs proper repair and checks before road use.
- Cat N: repairable, non-structural damage — panels, electrics, mechanical or cosmetic.
- Whatever the category, run a proper history check, budget for transport, and tell your insurer.
1. How the category system works
When an insurer decides a damaged vehicle is not economical for them to repair, the vehicle is given a write-off category under a UK industry code of practice. The category records the level of damage, follows the vehicle permanently, and must be disclosed when it is sold. It is a consumer-protection system: it stops seriously damaged vehicles quietly returning to the road, and it tells future buyers what they are looking at. Categories changed in 2017 — older vehicles may carry the previous letters (such as Cat C and Cat D), which broadly correspond to today's S and N.
2. Cat A, B, S and N in detail
- Category A — Scrap. The vehicle is so badly damaged it must be crushed as a whole. Nothing should be reused, and it can never return to the road.
- Category B — Break. The body shell must be crushed, but usable parts may be removed and sold. The vehicle itself can never return to the road.
- Category S — Repairable, structurally damaged. The vehicle's structure (chassis, frame or safety structure) has been damaged, but it can be repaired and returned to the road after proper repair. This is the category that demands the most diligence from buyers.
- Category N — Repairable, non-structural. The damage does not affect the structure: panels, lights, electrics, interior, mechanical or flood-related issues, for example. Often the most straightforward salvage purchase — but non-structural does not mean trivial.
3. What it means when you buy
Categorised vehicles sell for less, and that discount cuts both ways: you buy cheaper, and you will sell cheaper, to a smaller pool of buyers. Some buyers treat a well-repaired Cat N as smart value; others will not touch any category. Finance and part-exchange can be harder. The golden rule is to buy with your eyes open: the category is only the headline — the actual damage, the quality of any repair, and the paperwork decide whether a particular vehicle is a bargain or a burden. Our used car buying guide covers the checks in full.
4. Insuring and valuing a categorised car
Always tell your insurer the vehicle is categorised; insurers can and do check, and a undisclosed marker can cause serious problems at claim time. Some insurers are comfortable with repaired Cat S and N vehicles, others price them differently or decline; an engineer may want to inspect significant repairs. Expect the vehicle's market value to reflect its category in any payout. None of this is a reason to avoid a good car — it is a reason to have the conversation before you buy, not after.
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5. Checks before you bid or buy
- Run a proper vehicle history check to confirm the category, and to look for outstanding finance, theft markers and mileage issues.
- Read the damage description literally. Listing photographs flatter; the words about structure, keys, starting and rolling are what your transport and repair plans depend on.
- Budget the whole job: purchase fees, transport (a Cat S or damaged N rarely drives home), parts, repair, inspection and insurance.
- Plan the repair honestly. Structural repair belongs with properly equipped professionals; if you cannot verify a previous repair, have the vehicle inspected.
- Check identity: VIN and registration should match across the vehicle and its documents.
6. Getting it home
Most salvage purchases travel on a truck, not under their own power — and categorised or damaged vehicles should not be driven until they are repaired and legal. Our auction collection guide explains release, deadlines and loading, and our auction collection service collects non-runners and accident-damaged vehicles from sites including Copart and BCA, UK-wide.
Common questions
What is the difference between Cat S and Cat N?
Cat S means the vehicle's structure was damaged but is repairable. Cat N means the damage is non-structural — panels, electrics or mechanical items. Both can return to the road after proper repair.
Can a Cat A or Cat B vehicle ever go back on the road?
No. Cat A vehicles must be scrapped whole and Cat B body shells must be crushed. Only parts from a Cat B can be reused.
What were Cat C and Cat D?
The pre-2017 equivalents, broadly similar to today's Cat S and Cat N. Older vehicles may still carry the old markers.
Will a categorised car cost more to insure?
It depends on the insurer and category. Always disclose the marker when you insure, and expect the car's value to reflect its category.
Can you collect a Cat S or Cat N vehicle for me?
Yes. We collect runners, non-runners and accident-damaged vehicles from auction and salvage sites across the UK. See our auction collection guide for what we need from you.
Buying salvage and need it moved?
Call 07944 597463 with the site, lot details and condition, or read the auction collection guide first.