Is my car's write-off status a problem?

A car recorded as category N or category S means that it has been written off at some point in its life and later repaired.

'N' is the least serious of the five registered categories of damage. It refers to cars with n0n-structural damage, which could be light leading to the insurance company has decided it would be cheaper to pay out, rather than repair the car.

Chances are, the car has been professionally repaired and is safe to drive. However, there is a possibility that the damage has not been properly repaired, so we'd recommend getting the car checked out as soon as possible.

In the meantime, let your insurance company know the car is registered as category N. If you don't, they may refuse to pay out if you need to make a claim.

Category S cars will have suffered structural damage. While these car be put back on the roads, any rectification work will need to be more extensive. Cat A and B vehicles are more seriously damaged: Cat A cars must be crushed, Cat B cars can only be broken for parts.