Write-Off
Write-off check
Enter a UK number plate to run a write-off check and see whether the vehicle has been recorded as an insurance write-off, and under which category, before you commit to buying.
Check If A Car Is An Insurance Write-Off
- Write-Off Record: See whether the registration is linked to a recorded insurance write-off. A vehicle can look fully repaired while still having a recorded insurance write-off history. Check the record before you buy.
- Damage Category: Understand the damage category, which affects safety, resale value and insurability. The write-off category shows the type of damage recorded and helps you understand the vehicle's future value, insurance impact and road status.
- Buy Safely: Check the write-off history before you commit to buying a vehicle. A low-priced vehicle may have a hidden write-off history. Confirm the record, category and repair details before payment.
- Quick Flow: Enter the plate, confirm the write-off check and continue to checkout. Start with the UK registration, complete the check and access the write-off information for that vehicle.
Why Run A Write-Off Check?
- A repaired write-off can look perfect but be worth far less.
- Some categories should never return to the road.
- Write-off status affects insurance and future resale.
- Sellers do not always disclose a write-off history.
What The Write-Off Categories Mean
- Category A: scrap only. The vehicle and all its parts must be destroyed. It must never return to the road.
- Category B: body shell destroyed. Some serviceable parts may be reused, but the vehicle itself must never return to the road.
- Category S: structurally damaged and repaired. Safe to drive once professionally repaired, but the write-off history stays on record.
- Category N: non-structural damage, repaired. No structural damage, but the write-off history remains and can affect value.
Why Use A Write-Off Check?
- Avoid buying a vehicle with a hidden insurance write-off history.
- A repaired write-off can look perfect, but the recorded history can affect its value, insurance and future resale.
- Check the write-off category before you negotiate a price or make payment.
- Understand whether the vehicle has been recorded as Category A, B, S or N where available.
- Make a more informed buying decision by checking the vehicle history before you commit.
What A Write-Off Record Means When Buying
- Value: A recorded write-off, even a well-repaired one, is usually worth less than an equivalent car with no history.
- Insurance: Some insurers charge more or decline cover for certain categories, so check before you buy.
- Safety: Category S cars were structurally damaged, so confirm the repair quality and evidence.
- Finance: Write-off status and outstanding finance are both worth confirming before payment.
How The REGUP Check Works
- Enter your UK registration number to start your write-off check.
- Our online check reviews available insurer write-off records linked to that vehicle.
- Confirm your check and continue through checkout to access the result.
- See whether the vehicle has a recorded write-off history and the category where available.
- Use the result before viewing, negotiating or paying for a vehicle.
Buyer Warning
See how write-off risk is presented
Preview the report-style write-off section before entering your registration.
This is sample/example data only, not a live lookup. A purchased report is generated for the registration you enter.
- Write-off history can affect insurance, safety checks and resale value.
- The preview is illustrative and does not check the vehicle on this page.
- The full report keeps write-off findings beside other risk checks.
Write-Off FAQs
What is a write-off check?
A write-off check helps review whether a vehicle may have insurance damage or write-off category markers where available.
What do write-off categories mean?
Categories can describe the level or type of recorded damage. The exact meaning depends on the marker and date of classification.
Is a written-off car always unsafe?
Not always, but it needs careful inspection, correct repair evidence and a price that reflects its history.
Can I check write-off history by registration?
Yes. Enter the UK registration number and REGUP will prepare the write-off check flow.
What should I ask the seller if a write-off marker appears?
Ask for repair invoices, inspection evidence, photos of damage and proof that the vehicle is roadworthy before making any decision.
How do I check if a car is a write-off?
Enter the registration to run a write-off check with REGUP. It reviews insurer write-off records linked to the plate and shows the category where available.
What do Cat S and Cat N mean?
Category S means the car had structural damage that was repaired. Category N means non-structural damage that was repaired. Both can legally return to the road, but the write-off history stays on record.
Can you drive a Category A or B car?
No. Category A must be scrapped entirely, and Category B has its body shell destroyed. Neither may return to the road.
Does a write-off affect insurance and value?
Yes. A recorded write-off usually lowers resale value, and some insurers charge more or decline cover depending on the category.
Ready to run a write-off check?
Enter the registration above and continue to your focused write-off check checkout.