Has It Been Written Off?
One in five used cars for sale has hidden damage history. Check the official MIAFTR insurance write-off register to find out if a vehicle has been categorised as Cat A, B, S, or N before you buy.
What our write-off check reveals
We check the Motor Insurance Anti-Fraud and Theft Register (MIAFTR) — the same database used by the police and insurance industry.
Write-Off Categories
Full category history — Cat A (scrap only), Cat B (body shell destroyed), Cat S (structural damage, repairable), and Cat N (non-structural damage, repairable).
Stolen Vehicle Check
Our premium check bundles the write-off check with a real-time Police National Computer stolen vehicle query — catching cars that were stolen and written off.
Valuation Impact
A write-off marker can reduce a vehicle's value by 20-40%. We show you the estimated impact so you can negotiate a fair price if you still want to buy.
AI Risk Assessment
Our AI evaluates the overall risk of the vehicle — factoring in write-off status, mileage patterns, MOT history, and other data points into a single trust score.
Insurance Claim Details
Where available, see the date of the write-off, the insurer involved, and the damage description that led to the categorisation.
V5C Cross-Reference
We cross-reference V5C registration changes around write-off dates — a common pattern where written-off cars are re-registered to hide their history.
Frequently asked questions
What do Cat S, Cat N, Cat A, and Cat B mean?
Category A means the entire vehicle must be scrapped. Category B means the body shell must be destroyed but parts can be salvaged. Category S means structural damage that can be professionally repaired. Category N means non-structural damage (cosmetic, electrical, or mechanical) that can be repaired.
Can I still buy a Cat S or Cat N car?
Yes, Cat S and Cat N vehicles can legally be repaired and driven on UK roads. However, they must be properly repaired and many buyers avoid them due to resale value concerns. A Cat S/N car is typically worth 20-40% less than an equivalent clean vehicle.
How does VehicleIntel check for write-offs?
We query the Motor Insurance Anti-Fraud and Theft Register (MIAFTR), which is maintained by the insurance industry. This is the same database used by police forces, insurers, and the motor trade. It covers all write-offs reported by UK insurance companies.
Is the write-off check free?
The write-off check is part of our premium report (£9.99), which also includes stolen vehicle, outstanding finance, safety recalls, valuation, and full specifications. Our free check includes MOT history and AI analysis but not the MIAFTR database query.
Can sellers hide a write-off history?
Some sellers attempt to hide write-off history by re-registering the vehicle, changing plates, or not disclosing the damage. A MIAFTR check is the only reliable way to uncover this history, as the records are permanent and linked to the vehicle's VIN.
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Check write-off status now
Enter a registration number to start your check. Free instant report with option to upgrade for write-off data.