Understanding Car Write-Offs: What Are Your Options?

When an insurance company declares your car a write-off, it doesn’t always mean it’s only good for scrap.

Depending on the write-off category, you may still have options, such as selling it for salvage, repairing it, or selling its parts.

But when does scrapping make the most sense?

This guide explains the different insurance write-off categories, what they mean, and your best course of action based on your skills, experience, and legal requirements.

What Happens When a Car is Written Off?

A vehicle is classed as a write-off when an insurance company determines that repairing it is either too expensive or unsafe to drive/be on the road.

This decision is based on the cost of repairs compared to the car’s market value.

Once a car is written off, the insurer assigns it a write-off category and decides whether to sell it as salvage or scrap it entirely.

Who Decides What Happens to a Write-Off?

If the insurance company takes ownership, they typically sell it to salvage dealers or scrap yards.
If you retain ownership, you can sell, repair, or scrap the vehicle yourself.

UK Write-Off Categories Explained

Category A – Scrap Only

What it means: The car is severely damaged, so the whole car must be scrapped, and no parts can be reused/sold.
Best option: The car must be scrapped at an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF).
Who takes responsibility? Your insurance company will usually dispose of it.
Can you sell it? No, it’s illegal to sell or repair a Category A vehicle.

Category B – Scrap with Some Salvageable Parts

What it means: A category B insurance write-off means the vehicle is way past any hope of repair, but some parts can still be removed and sold.
Best option: Dismantlers and salvage companies may strip usable parts before scrapping the rest of the car.
Who takes responsibility? The insurer usually handles this, but private owners can sometimes retain it for parts.
Can you sell it? You can’t sell the car whole, but licensed dismantlers can buy and resell parts.

Category S – Structurally Damaged But Repairable

What it means: The car has structural damage, but it can be legally repaired and put back on the road. Examples include: bent or crumpled chassis/frame, deformed crumple zones, twisted or cracked subframe and so on.
Best option: Sell the vehicle to a professional who can restore it, or scrap it if the repairs are too costly.
Who takes responsibility? If the insurer keeps your cat S car, they may auction it for salvage. If you keep it, you must repair it back to roadworthy standards.
Can you sell it? Yes, but the new owner must be aware of its Category S status.

Category N – Non-Structural Damage, Repairable

What it means: The car has damage that doesn’t affect its structure (e.g., electronics, body panels, interior).
Best option: Repair and resell your cat N vehicle if you have the skills or money, if not it’s easier to scrap it.
Who takes responsibility? If you retain the vehicle, you can then fix or sell it.
Can you sell it? Yes, but buyers must be informed of its write-off status.

Should You Sell, Repair or Scrap a Write-Off?

Selling a Write-Off: What You Need to Know

If your car falls into Category S or N, you can legally sell it, but you must:

Disclose the write-off status to buyers.
Ensure repairs meet road safety standards (for Category S).
Find a buyer willing to repair it.

Selling a write-off takes more time and effort, and you may get less than expected due to its history.

Breaking for Parts: Is It Worth It?

Some owners choose to strip valuable parts (e.g., engine, catalytic converter, alloy wheels) before scrapping the shell. However, Scrap.Car only accepts complete vehicles, so if you remove key components, we won’t be able to collect your car.

Breaking a car yourself requires mechanical skills, space, and time.

If this isn’t for you, scrapping might be the better option!

Call us today for a free quote!

Scrapping a Write-Off: The Easiest Option

If your car is damaged, unsafe, or costly to repair, scrapping is usually the best choice. Scrap.Car offers free collection, guaranteed prices, and hassle-free service.

So you don’t have to worry about a thing!

Best for:

Category A and B vehicles (must be scrapped).
Category S or N cars that aren’t worth repairing.
Owners who want a quick, hassle-free sale.

Scrap Your Write-Off with Scrap.Car Today!

Not all write-offs mean scrap, but when your vehicle is beyond repair or too costly to fix, Scrap.Car makes the process simple.

Why choose us?

Guaranteed price for your scrap car.

Free collection—no need to visit a scrapyard.

A hassle-free process with instant quotes and fast payment.

Ready to scrap your car? Get a free quote now!

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FAQs: Is a Write-Off Always Scrap?

Here are the answers to the most common concerns about scrapping, selling, and repairing write-offs.