The term “write-off” can sound worrying, but not all written-off vehicles are unsafe. Some can be repaired and legally driven again — others must be scrapped completely.
What Is a Write-Off?
A write-off is a vehicle that has been damaged so badly that:
It’s unsafe to drive, or
The repair cost exceeds the car’s value.
An insurance engineer inspects the vehicle and assigns it a write-off category based on the damage.
Write-Off Categories Explained
Category |
Meaning |
Can It Be Repaired? |
|---|---|---|
A |
Completely destroyed — cannot be repaired or used again. Must be scrapped. |
❌ No |
B |
Structurally unsafe — only parts can be reused. |
❌ No (parts only) |
C |
Repairable, but the cost of repair is more than the car’s value. |
✅ Yes |
D |
Structurally safe with cosmetic damage, uneconomical to repair. |
✅ Yes |
S |
Replaced Category C. Has structural damage but can be repaired. |
✅ Yes |
N |
Replaced Category D. Has non-structural damage only. |
✅ Yes |
Write-Offs in Ireland
Irish history checks only show Category A and B write-offs.
There’s no official Irish record for Categories C, D, S, or N.
UK imports will show all write-off categories (A, B, C, D, S, N).
What It Means for Buyers
-
Category A & B:
Must be scrapped at an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF).
Cannot be repaired or driven on the road.
-
Category C, D, S & N:
Can be repaired and driven, but always get a mechanic or assessor to check before buying.
You must declare it to your insurance provider, or your cover may be affected.
Need a Qualified Assessor?
The Institute of Automotive Engineer Assessors (IAEA) is the recognised professional body in Ireland and the UK.
Top Tips
Always run a history check before buying.
Have a repaired write-off independently inspected.
Walk away if you’re unsure — safety and transparency come first.
Contact Us
If you have any further questions or would like to chat, please reach out to our Customer Support team.