If you’re in the market for a used van, you may come across some labelled as "Cat C" or "Cat D" write-offs.
These categories show that the van has previously been damaged and written off by an insurance company. So it’s important to know what each one means, and how they can affect things like your van insurance.
Keep reading to learn more about the different categories, and what you should know before deciding whether to buy a written-off van.
What is an insurance write-off?
An insurance write-off is when a van is damaged to the extent that repairing it would cost more than its actual value, or it's deemed unsafe to drive.
In these cases, the insurance company will pay out the van's value to the owner and take possession of the vehicle.
What do the write-off categories mean?
Before October 2017, written-off vehicles were classified as Cat A, B, C, or D. Since then, Cat C and D have been replaced by Cat S and N, respectively.
However, you may still see some vans listed as Cat C or D if they were written off before the change.
Here’s a quick rundown of each category:
- Cat A: The van is severely damaged and must be scrapped. No parts can be salvaged.
- Cat B: The van is heavily damaged and must be scrapped, but some parts can be salvaged or reused.
- Cat C (now Cat S): The van has suffered structural damage, but it can be repaired and returned to the road.
- Cat D (now Cat N): The van has sustained cosmetic or electrical damage, but no structural damage. It can be repaired and returned to the road.
What should I consider before buying a Cat C or D van?
While Cat C and D vans can be repaired and legally driven again, there are some important things to consider:
1. Repair quality: Make sure that any repairs have been carried out to a high standard by a reputable mechanic. Poor repairs can lead to safety issues and future problems.
2. Vehicle history: Find out how the van was damaged and whether it has been properly repaired. A vehicle history check can provide valuable information.
3. Insurance costs: Insuring a written-off van may be more expensive, as insurers view them as higher risk. Check insurance quotes before making a purchase.
4. Resale value: Cat C and D vans will have lower resale values than vans that have never been written-off, even if they've been repaired to a high standard.
Can I drive my van without an MOT if it's a Cat C or D write-off?
No, you can’t legally drive a van without a valid MOT, regardless of its write-off status. If your van's MOT has expired, you’ll need to book an MOT test at an approved test centre. The only time you can drive a van without an MOT is to the pre-booked test.
Will buying a Cat C or D van affect my no claims bonus?
Buying a Cat C or D van should not directly impact your no claims bonus. However, this can depend on the insurer and the specific terms of your policy. Before going ahead, check whether making a claim for a written-off van will affect any no claims bonus you’ve earned.
Can I insure a Cat C or D van under an “any driver” van insurance policy?
Yes, some insurers do offer any driver van insurance policies for Cat S and N vans (formerly Cat C and D), as long as the vehicle is roadworthy. Always make sure you disclose your van's write-off status with insurers when getting quotes.
How can I check if a van has been previously written off?
You can check a van's write-off status by doing a vehicle history check using the registration number. This will show whether the van has been previously written off, and include other information such as whether it has any outstanding finance.
