If your vehicle has been damaged by accidents, the damage might become too expensive to fix. If that’s the case, it’ll get “written off” by your insurance company. Cat S cars are those that have been written off by insurance companies. Cat S car is one that has been written off due to structural damage.
Here, we take a look more detail on the meaning of Cat S means and the nature of the damages it covers. We also look into whether buying second-hand Cat S car is ever worth it, as well as what is the cost to insure it.
Cat S meaning
Insurance companies employ four categories to define the extent of damage a vehicle has sustained to be declared a total loss. In October of 2017 there were four categories: A B, C, A and D. However, now they’re A S, N, and A.
Cat S (Cat S ) car, which is like the older Cat C) car has suffered structural damage to its structure. This usually happens as a result of the result of a collision or another accident. The good thing is that it is repairable and driven back. But it is essential that all Cat S cars must be registered again by the DVLA before they can be allowed to be driven again.
Other categories include:
Cat N (similar to the previous Cat D): Cat N cars have suffered cosmetic damage. The structure of the car is intact. Similar to Cat S, a Cat N vehicle is repairable and reintroduced to the roads. It’s not required to register your vehicle with DVLA However, you’ll be required to inform them that it was taken off. Find out more information regarding Cat N cars here.
Cat B Cat B cars are too old or damaged to repair, however, certain parts may be salvaged and used again or to be sold. After the expert is done with these elements, the remainder of the vehicle will be scrapped.
Cat A Cat A cars are too damaged or outdated to repair and can’t be used for part. Cat A vehicles are taken to a scrapyard that is licensed to be dismantled safely and crushed.
Are Cat S similar to Cat C?
Not quite. The Cat S as well as Cat N have replaced the Cat C as well as Cat D when the categories were revised in the year the year 2017. Prior to that, the focus was primarily on repair costs , rather than the kind of damage.
If the repair cost for the car was more than the value of the vehicle then it was an Cat C write-off. If otherwise, it was transferred into Cat D. If a vehicle was classified in Cat D, the repair expenses were less than what the car was worth however, the associated costs (like transportation of the vehicle) could render repairs uneconomic.
The present day, Cat S focuses more on structural issues that can affect safety of vehicles and safety, not the cost to repair.
What exactly is Cat S damage?
Examples of Cat S damage include:
Crumpled or twisted chassis
Twisted A or B posts
Cant rails or a damaged header
Cracked bulkhead
Sills that have cracked or become corroded
Dented wheel extension for the housing of the wheel
Crushed cross-member
Wings that have been snapped (or support wing)
Why do insurance companies write off cars in the category S automobiles?
In many instances, Cat S cars can be repaired safely and then returned back on the road. However, the majority of structural damage can cost quite a bit to repair.
Insurers weigh the labor, parts and administrative costs as well as whether you’re eligible to hire a vehicle while your own is not in use. Typically, if your repair costs exceed 50-60 percent of the value of your car prior to the accident, it’s classified as Category S.
How will I proceed if my vehicle has been written off?
In the majority of cases that your vehicle is declared a total loss the car won’t be able to be taken back. The insurance company will keep the car, and you are an amount of the amount.
It is written off as Cat A or Cat B.
If your vehicle has being taken away (Cat A, Cat B) the insurance company will help arrange it.
In the event that this happens when that happens, you’ll need to:
The log book should be sent to your insurance company (but be sure to include the yellow “selling or transferring or part-exchanging this car to an individual or a motor dealer” section)
Inform the DVLA inform the DVLA that your vehicle was towed. Don’t leave this out as you could face a fine of up to PS1,000 If you don’t inform them!
Note: If your vehicle is registered with private number plates You’ll have to request to remove it off prior to scrapping it. It’s easy to do this via gov.uk.
Visit mycarinspections.co.uk for further information on the DVLA cat S inspection.
It is written off as either Cat S as well Cat N
If your vehicle falls within Cat S or Cat N then you can purchase it from an insurance company and repair it yourself. For this you’ll have to:
The entire logbook should be sent to your insurance company.
Request a duplicate of the log book (using the form V62)
In the end, the DVLA will include your car’s classification in the new log book.
Who fixes Cat S cars?
If you’re planning to buy the Cat S car from your insurer and then have it fixed it is necessary to locate an approved body or garage shop that is willing to do the job.
It is important to note that there is no legal requirement that any work done on an Cat S car to be independently checked. So, you can’t be certain the vehicle you receive will be safe for driving.
To be sure that, you must consider a third party inspection prior to signing off on repairs. There are two organizations that offer inspections. AA or the RAC both provide vehicle inspection services. There is an additional cost. However, you’ll enjoy the security of knowing that the vehicle is structurally and mechanically safe before you take it for a spin.
Do you think purchasing an Cat S car worth it?
It depends! If you’re looking to buy an old car that you can drive till the end of its useful life and still be affordable, a Cat S car could be appealing. However, as with any second-hand car, it will not be perfect.
The repair should (hopefully) make the vehicle road-worthy again. However, there could be some annoying rattles, squeaks or other minor flaws you’ll need to endure. These imperfections could result in you losing cash in the event that you decide to sell it later in the future.
What’s the bottom thing to remember? Do your homework. If you’re planning to purchase the Cat S car, pay for a history check in order to have a complete picture of the car before you pay money.
Remember, there’s no law that states Cat S repairs need to be independently examined. Therefore, you’ll have to arrange for an independent inspection in order to ensure your car will be safe for you to use.
Do Cat S cars cost more to insure?
The answer is simple: yes, insuring your Cat S car can be more costly.
After a car is classified as Category S and has been repaired however, it may still encounter problems later on in the course of. It’s a bigger chance for insurance companies. To mitigate any risk to their customers, some insurance companies will cost their insurance higher than a comparable car that hasn’t been written off. Other insurers, for instance, just refuse to protect for a Cat S car.
Recap: What is Cat S refer to on the car?
The Cat S car is one that has been written off due to structural damage. But, the vehicle can be fixed and re-introduced to the roads provided it’s registered by the DVLA.
A pre-owned Cat S car could net you a good price, however they’re usually more costly to cover. Keep in mind that repair works don’t need be inspected by an independent party before returning the vehicle to you. You can ensure that the vehicle is roadworthy by hiring a third party to inspect it.
Our suggestion? Beware of the buyer.
