A Guide to Cat S Car Insurance

If you’re buying a used car, researching car insurance, or wondering what happens after an accident, you may come across the term 'Cat S' (short for 'Category S'). Basically, 'Cat S' indicates that a car is a 'write off' — but it doesn't necessarily mean it is only good for scrap.

Here, we'll take a closer look at what Cat S means, how it compares with other write off categories, and everything you need to know about buying, repairing, selling, and insuring Cat S cars in the UK.

In This Guide:

• What does Cat S mean?
• Other types of insurance write-off categories
• Can you insure a Cat S car?
• Pros and cons of buying a Cat S car
• What should you check before buying a Cat S car?
• Repairing a Cat S car
• Selling a Cat S car
• Cat S vs Cat N cars
• Can a Cat S car be safe?
• How to get the best insurance for a Cat S car
• Find Cat S insurance that won’t break the bank with MoneyExpert
• FAQs

Other types of insurance write-off categories

Cat S is one of four write-off categories used by British insurers. These categories help to classify vehicles that insurers consider total losses:

• Category A: The most severe designation. To get a Cat A designation, the vehicle has to be completely crushed, burned, or blown up, with no salvageable parts.
• Category B: The vehicle is too damaged to return to the road, but parts may be salvaged and reused. The body shell of a Cat B vehicle must be scrapped.
• Category N: The 'N' in 'Cat N' refers to Non-structural damage, like electrical faults or dents to the body shell. Cat N cars might be non-functioning, but they won't have sustained damage to the chassis or structural components. They can usually be repaired.
• Category S: Structural damage that is repairable. After repair and re-registration, Cat S cars may return to the road legally.

The key distinction between Cat S and Cat N is the type of damage. Cat S refers specifically to the structure of the vehicle, while Cat N covers all other types of non-structural damage.

Pros and cons of buying a Cat S car

Pros	Cons
Lower purchase price than a non-damaged equivalent	Higher insurance premiums
Can be restored to a safe, roadworthy condition	It may be harder to insure or finance
Suitable for buyers with technical knowledge or access to trusted mechanics	Lower resale value and buyer interest
Structural repairs are often done professionally due to legal standards	Possible difficulty obtaining manufacturer warranties
Vehicles may be relatively new with minimal mileage, despite the write-off	Write-off status must always be declared at the point of sale or trade-in

 

Repairing a Cat S car

Let's take a look at the practicalities and complexities of repairing a written-off car.

What qualifies a car to be repaired vs written off?

Although the term 'write off' is often used colloquially to mean that something is totally destroyed or useless, this isn't actually the case in insurance terms. In car insurance terms, 'write off' means that the insurance company has decided it wasn’t financially viable for them to repair the vehicle, not that it can’t be repaired at all.

As a general rule, if the car is structurally non-salvageable it would be considered 'non-repairable'. However, if the vehicle has more structural integrity and can be patched up without replacing the original chassis etc, it would be considered a 'repairable' Cat S or Cat N vehicle.

Who can repair Cat S vehicles?

There is no legal requirement to use a particular type of garage for Cat S repairs, but it's usually beneficial to get the work carried out by a body shop with structural repair expertise. Look for accreditation like the BSI Kitemark or manufacturer-approved status.

Remember, badly repaired Cat S cars can be dangerous. What's more, many insurers will ask for proof of repairs to make sure that you've used a competent specialist, especially if you’re looking for comprehensive cover.

MOT requirements post-repair

Once a Cat S vehicle has been repaired, it has to pass an MOT test before it can be used legally on public roads.

Note that a valid MOT confirms that the car meets basic roadworthiness standards, but it does not verify the quality of the structural repairs. Ideally, you should arrange an independent inspection as well as the MOT.

DVLA re-registration process

After repairs, you'll need to re-register with the DVLA. You will need to provide documentation that confirms the vehicle’s identity alongside proof of repairs. Once your registration has been processed, the DVLA will issue a new logbook. 

It’s worth noting that if the V5C is still intact and properly transferred, you may not need to carry out a full re-registration. Always check with the DVLA directly for the current policy based on your car’s documentation. 

Selling a Cat S car

What if you want to sell a Cat S car? There are various things to consider:

Legal obligations to declare write-off status

You are legally obliged to declare a vehicle’s Cat S status when selling it. By law, buyers must be informed if a vehicle was written off in the past, even if it has since been repaired.

Failure to disclose a write-off status could breach consumer protection laws. As such, you risk legal action against you if you don't declare a car's write-off status to potential buyers.

Impact on resale value

Due to the damage they've suffered and insurance issues, Cat S cars tend to sell for 20 to 40 per cent less than the market value of similar cars. Even if you've had the car repaired to a high standard and obtained a valid MOT, many buyers will still be dubious about buying a car that's suffered serious structural damage in the past.

Where and how to sell a Cat S vehicle

If you want to sell a Cat S car, don't lose heart. While you might not get as much as you would get for an equivalent car with no write-off history, plenty of people will still buy such vehicles. Here are some ways to sell a Cat S car:

• Privately, through online marketplaces or classified ads
• To specialist traders who deal with salvaged or repaired cars
• In a specialist auction, where buyers understand the risks involved
• If you're really struggling to find a buyer, scrap yards and salvage firms are always an option.

Cat S vs Cat N cars

Let's take a closer look at the differences between Cat S and Cat N cars:

Structural vs non-structural damage

The critical difference between Cat S and Cat N is the location and severity of the damage. To be declared Cat S, a car needs to have sustained structural damage, such as a bent or twisted chassis or compromised crumple zones. Category N vehicles, on the other hand, have damage to non-structural components, such as interior fixtures, cosmetic panels, or electrical systems.

From a buyer’s perspective, Cat N cars may appear to be less risky, but this isn’t always the case. Poorly repaired Cat N damage can still be problematic. This is especially true for more modern Cat N cars with electrical systems damage, as newer cars often rely heavily on electrical computer systems. A vehicle's structural integrity is not much use when the car won't start, or even unlock, due to faulty electrics.

Differences in insurance, value, and risk

Insuring a Cat N car is generally easier and cheaper than insuring a Category S car. Cat N cars also tend to retain more of their resale value. That being said, the nature of the damage, the extent of damage, and the quality of repairs still have a big influence over what people are willing to pay.

Common misconceptions

There are a lot of misconceptions about Category S and Category N cars. Here, we'll debunk some of the most common:

• Cat N cars are always safer: Not necessarily. Hidden damage or bad repairs can still affect performance.
• Cat S cars are not road legal: Once you've repaired and re-registered a Category S car, it is just as road-legal as any other registered vehicle.
• The Cat S label can be removed: No. Cat S classification is permanent and forms part of the vehicle’s record.

How to get the best insurance for a Cat S car

It's not always easy to get Cat S car insurance, but it's far from impossible. Here are some options:

Specialist insurers and brokers

If mainstream insurers won't cover your Cat S vehicle, there are specialist brokers who deal specifically with written-off or rebuilt cars. These providers understand the risks and can often provide tailored policies.

Tips for lowering premiums

If you find that your insurance shoots up even when you've fully repaired a Cat S car, there are other ways to bring costs back down:

• Make sure your vehicle has well-documented, high-quality repairs
• Keep annual mileage low
• Increase your voluntary excess
• Park in a secure location
• Install a black box or dash cam
• Compare multiple quotes

Find Cat S insurance that won’t break the bank with MoneyExpert

Cat S cars aren't for everyone. But if you’re informed, cautious, and financially savvy, they can offer excellent value for money. You can pick them up below market value, and if you find the right insurer, you don't need to worry about Cat S premiums draining your wallet.

At MoneyExpert, we help drivers find the right insurance no matter their circumstances. Whether you need cover for a previously written-off car or just want to understand your options, we’re here to help. 

FAQs

Does a Cat S mark ever expire?

No. The designation is permanent and must be disclosed for the lifetime of the vehicle.

Can I remove a Cat S label from the logbook?

No. While the V5C document itself does not always show the write-off status, the information remains on official records and can be

Will Cat S affect my car tax?

No. Vehicle tax is based on emissions and fuel type, not write-off status.