Cat N vs Cat S vs Cat A/B
When an insurer writes a car off, it gets a category. The category tells you what's legally allowed and how buyers will see the car.
The four categories
Cat A: scrap
Must be crushed. No parts can be reused. Not one to buy for flipping.
Cat B: break for parts
The body shell must be crushed, but some parts can be salvaged. It can never go back on the road.
Cat S: structural damage
The structure (chassis, crumple zones and so on) is damaged. It can be professionally repaired and put back on the road.
Cat N: non-structural
The damage isn't structural: cosmetic panels, electrics, lights. It can be repaired and put back on the road.
Which is best for flipping?
Cat N is usually the easiest start. Repairs are often bolt-on parts, and buyers are more comfortable with it. Cat S can earn more because it sells cheaper, but structural repairs need proper skills and equipment, and buyers want proof of a good repair.
Things to know
- A repaired Cat S or Cat N car doesn't need a special government inspection to go back on the road. The Vehicle Identity Check (VIC) was scrapped on 26 October 2015. It does need to be roadworthy, with a valid MOT if it's old enough.
- DVLA records the category on the log book (V5C). When an insurer keeps a Cat S car's owner on as keeper, the full V5C goes to the insurer and the keeper applies for a free duplicate on form V62, which shows the category. Always be upfront with buyers.
- Cat S and Cat N replaced the older Cat C and Cat D on 1 October 2017, under the insurance industry's code of practice for salvage categorisation (ABI and Lloyd's Market Association).
- The category stays on the car's history for life. Expect to sell a Cat N or Cat S for noticeably less than a clean-history equivalent.
- "Runs and drives" in a listing usually just means it started and moved under its own power on the day. It doesn't mean it's roadworthy.
- Run a full history check before you bid: finance, stolen markers, mileage and previous write-offs.
Start with our free car check (MOT history, recalls, VIN decode, LEZ). For finance, stolen and write-off markers you need a paid check. Our guide on checking a salvage car before you bid walks through the full routine.
Insurance
Tell your insurer the car is a Cat S or Cat N when you get a quote. If you're asked and don't disclose it, a claim could be refused or the policy cancelled. Some insurers charge more for categorised cars, and a few won't cover them, so get a quote before you bid.
How the category affects your numbers
Put a realistic Cat N / Cat S sold price into the calculator, not the price of a clean car. Cat N and Cat S cars usually sell for noticeably less than clean ones, often by a wide margin. Check real sold prices for your exact model and category.
Sources: GOV.UK "Scrapping your vehicle and insurance write-offs" (write-off categories, V62), DfT/DVLA announcement of 26 October 2015 ending the VIC scheme, and the ABI/LMA code of practice for the categorisation of motor vehicle salvage. Checked 28 October 2026.
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