What is a Cat D car, and is it safe to buy one?

A Cat D car is a vehicle that was written off by an insurer under the old insurance write-off classification system used before October 2017. Category D indicated that the car was considered repairable, but the insurer decided not to repair it because the cost of doing so was close to (or exceeded) the vehicle’s pre-accident value.

In most cases, Cat D cars suffered non-structural damage, such as scrapes or dents to the bodywork, electrical issues, or minor mechanical problems. This kind of damage may not be considered 'dangerous' by default, but the insurer deemed a payout more economical than repair.

Although the 'D' designation is no longer used for write-offs (it was replaced with 'N' for 'Non-structural' in 2017), many Cat D cars are still on the road. Written-off cars keep their past write-off status permanently, even if they've been repaired to a fully roadworthy condition. Write-off status must always be disclosed when selling.

Cat D and Cat N are closely related but not exactly the same. Cat N replaced Cat D when the write-off system was updated in 2017 to make categories clearer for consumers.

Both categories refer to non-structural damage. In practical terms, a Category D car and a Category N car are likely to have experienced very similar types of damage, in which repair costs exceeded the value of the car, but damage didn't affect the vehicle's structural integrity. The key difference is the terminology and the date the car was written off.

If a car was written off before October 2017, it may still be recorded as Category D. If the same incident happened today, it would almost certainly be classified as Category N. This can be confusing if you're not familiar with the history of insurance write-off categories, but it's relatively simple once you know about the 2017 changes to write-off labels.

Yes, a well-repaired Cat D car can legally be returned to the road. It doesn't even need to have a special inspection by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency beforehand. That being said, the vehicle must be roadworthy and meet all legal requirements, including having a valid MOT where applicable.

Because there is no formal sign-off process, it's up to the owner to make sure that repairs are completed properly. As such, it's a good idea for buyers to check repair quality before any money changes hands.

A Cat D car can be safe to buy, but overall safety depends heavily on the nature of the original damage and the standard of repairs.

Because Cat D relates to non-structural damage, the vehicle’s core safety structure should not have been compromised in the original accident. However, issues like electrical faults, suspension damage, or poorly repaired bodywork can still cause problems. For example, safety systems may not function as they should if repairs were rushed or incomplete.

Before buying a used car with Cat D write-off status, it is a very good idea to request evidence of repairs, including invoices, photographs, and service records. A professional inspection by a qualified mechanic might be appropriate if you're unsure about assessing repairs yourself. If documentation is missing or the seller is vague about the car’s history, treat it as a big red flag.

Yes, Category D cars can be insured, and many mainstream insurers will offer cover. However, insurance options may be more limited compared to similar cars with no write-off history.

Some insurers may charge higher premiums or restrict the level of cover available. Fully comprehensive policies are often possible, but insurers may base payouts on the reduced market value of the car. Comparing quotes from multiple providers can help you find the best cover available.

It is important that you declare Cat D status when arranging insurance. Failure to do so could invalidate your policy.

The most reliable way to confirm whether a car is Cat D is through a vehicle history check. Checking with the DVLA will show whether a vehicle has been written off and under which category.

Sellers are legally required to disclose Cat D status. You can also review the car's V5C logbook, service history, and any insurance documentation for supporting information.

If a seller claims not to know the car’s history or avoids direct questions, it is sensible to walk away.

When selling a Cat D car, you must clearly declare its status to potential buyers - and remember that Cat D cars usually sell for less than equivalent vehicles with no write-off history.

Providing evidence of professional repairs, a recent MOT, and a full service history can help reassure buyers. Clear, honest descriptions reduce the risk of disputes after the sale.