carl
When purchasing a used car, one of the most crucial checks you should perform is verifying whether the vehicle has previously been written off by an insurance company. A car that’s been declared a write-off could have serious structural damage that might compromise your safety, or it might simply be worth significantly less than an equivalent non-written-off model.
Insurance companies in the UK categorise written-off vehicles into several groups, from Category A (cars that should be scrapped and never return to the road) to Category S (vehicles with structural damage that can be repaired and driven again safely). Knowing this information before purchase could save you from a potentially dangerous situation or an unexpected financial loss.
In this article, we’ll explore the top five services that can help you verify a vehicle’s insurance write-off status, providing you peace of mind when making your next car purchase.
Motorscan
Motorscan offers one of the most comprehensive vehicle history checks available, with a particular focus on ensuring you’re not purchasing a vehicle with hidden problems. Their detailed reports include a thorough write-off status verification that clearly indicates whether a vehicle has ever been declared an insurance write-off and, crucially, which category it was assigned.
What makes Motorscan particularly valuable for checking write-off status is that their reports don’t just tell you if a car has been written off—they provide context. You’ll receive information about when the write-off occurred and the category assigned, helping you make an informed decision about whether to proceed with the purchase.
In addition to write-off checks, Motorscan provides outstanding finance verification, stolen vehicle alerts, plate and colour change history, and previous keeper information. Their comprehensive mileage investigation with National Mileage Register access is especially useful, as many written-off vehicles may have mileage discrepancies as well.
Motorscan is particularly suitable for those wanting a thorough check from an established provider with a focus on accuracy and detail, especially if you’re concerned about potential write-offs alongside other vehicle history issues.
HPI Check
With over 80 years of experience in the industry, HPI has become almost synonymous with vehicle history checks in the UK. Their insurance write-off status check is backed by one of the most comprehensive databases in the market.
HPI’s insurance write-off check doesn’t just tell you if a vehicle has been written off—it specifically identifies which write-off category the vehicle falls into. This distinction is crucial, as Category N vehicles (with non-structural damage) present very different risks compared to those in Category S (with structural damage).
What sets HPI apart is their £30,000 data guarantee, which provides financial protection if their information proves to be incorrect and you incur a loss as a result. This level of assurance can be particularly valuable when checking for serious issues like write-off status.
Additional features in their comprehensive checks include outstanding finance verification, stolen vehicle alerts, mileage verification, previous owner history, and VIN/chassis number verification.
HPI is ideal for buyers who want the reassurance of using the most recognised brand with extensive industry connections and a strong data guarantee when checking for potentially problematic write-off history.
RAC Vehicle Check
Coming from one of the UK’s most trusted motoring organisations, RAC Vehicle Check offers write-off category verification as part of their comprehensive vehicle history reporting service.
The RAC’s vehicle history checks provide detailed information about any insurance write-offs, clearly indicating which specific category was assigned to the vehicle. This thorough approach helps you understand exactly what type of damage the car may have sustained.
Like HPI, RAC backs their checks with a £30,000 data guarantee, providing financial protection if their information proves to be incorrect. This level of assurance can be particularly reassuring when checking for serious issues like write-off status.
Beyond write-off checks, the RAC’s comprehensive service includes verification of outstanding finance, stolen status checks, mileage validation, plate change history, and imported/exported status checking.
RAC Vehicle Check is particularly suitable for buyers who value the backing of a major motoring organisation and want a comprehensive check with a strong data guarantee when investigating potential write-off history.
VCheck
VCheck may not have the name recognition of some competitors, but it offers unique advantages when checking for write-off status—including the highest data guarantee in the industry at £40,000.
What truly sets VCheck apart for write-off verification is their exclusive salvage auction history dating back to 2015. This additional data source can uncover write-off history that might not appear in standard databases, providing an extra layer of protection for cautious buyers.
Their comprehensive check includes insurance write-off status verification that clearly identifies the specific category assigned to any written-off vehicle. With over 50 data points checked, VCheck provides substantial detail about the vehicle’s history.
Beyond write-off checks, VCheck offers outstanding finance verification, stolen vehicle checks, and unique features like ex-taxi search capability that most competitors don’t provide.
VCheck is particularly well-suited for buyers concerned about potential salvage history and those who value the highest available data guarantee when investigating possible write-off status.
CarAnalytics
CarAnalytics stands out for the sheer volume of data they check—over 80 data points in their comprehensive reports, more than any other provider on our list.
Their insurance write-off status check provides detailed information about any write-off history, including the specific category assigned. This thorough approach helps you understand exactly what type of damage the vehicle may have sustained.
What makes CarAnalytics particularly valuable for write-off checks is their detailed approach to valuation. Their unique 5-band valuation system provides more nuanced pricing information than many competitors, helping you understand how a write-off status might affect the vehicle’s value.
Beyond write-off status, CarAnalytics checks for outstanding finance, stolen vehicle status, mileage anomalies, and provides performance and running cost data.
With a free basic check available and options for more comprehensive reports, CarAnalytics offers good value, especially for those checking multiple vehicles thanks to their bulk check options.
CarAnalytics is particularly suitable for data-focused buyers who want the most comprehensive information when investigating write-off history, and businesses needing bulk checks at significant discounts.
How to Choose the Right Write-Off Check Service
When selecting a service to verify a vehicle’s insurance write-off category, consider these factors:
- Depth of write-off information: Look for services that provide the specific category (A, B, S, or N), not just whether the vehicle was written off.
- Data guarantee: Higher guarantees (£30,000-£40,000) offer more financial protection if the information proves incorrect.
- Additional checks: Consider services that also check for outstanding finance, theft, and mileage discrepancies, as these issues often accompany write-offs.
- Value for money: Most providers offer tiered packages, from basic checks to comprehensive reports. Consider what level of detail you need.
- Unique data sources: Some services, like VCheck with its salvage auction history, have access to information others don’t.
- Brand reputation: Established automotive brands like RAC may provide additional peace of mind.
Understanding Write-Off Categories
Before making your final decision, it’s important to understand what the different write-off categories mean:
- Category A: Vehicle has been so severely damaged it cannot be repaired and must be crushed entirely.
- Category B: Vehicle is severely damaged and the body shell must be crushed, though some parts may be salvaged.
- Category S (formerly Category C): Vehicle has suffered structural damage but can be repaired and returned to the road safely.
- Category N (formerly Category D): Vehicle has non-structural damage and can be repaired and returned to the road.
Categories S and N vehicles can legally return to the road after proper repairs, but they should be thoroughly checked by a qualified mechanic before purchase. They’ll also typically be worth 15-30% less than equivalent non-written-off models.
Conclusion
Checking a vehicle’s insurance write-off status is an essential step when buying a used car. The five services we’ve highlighted—Motorscan, HPI Check, RAC Vehicle Check, VCheck, and CarAnalytics—all offer reliable write-off verification with various additional features to suit different needs.
For the most comprehensive check with a focus on accuracy and detail, Motorscan provides excellent all-round coverage. For those seeking established industry names, HPI and RAC offer strong reputation and robust guarantees. Budget-conscious buyers might prefer VCheck’s competitive pricing and industry-leading guarantee, while data-focused purchasers will appreciate CarAnalytics’ extensive 80+ data point checks.
Whichever service you choose, the small investment in a proper vehicle history check could save you thousands of pounds and significant headaches down the road.
