Sell Your Written Off Car
Your insurer has written off your car and you retain the salvage. Now you need a buyer. We buy Category S, N, A and B insurance write-offs across Manchester and Greater Manchester at fair, competitive prices. We also buy any accident damaged car regardless of whether it has been formally written off by an insurer.
Whether you want to sell your damaged car or any category of insurance write-off, free collection, same-day bank transfer and all paperwork are included. Get an instant quote now or read on to understand write-off categories and what to expect.
What Does "Written Off" Actually Mean?
A car is written off when an insurer decides the cost of repairing it exceeds its market value, or when the damage makes it unsafe or uneconomical to repair. Being written off does not automatically mean the car is worthless or must be crushed.
When your insurer writes off a car, they make you a settlement offer based on the pre-accident market value of the vehicle. You have two choices: accept the full settlement and hand over ownership of the salvage to the insurer, or accept a reduced settlement and retain the salvage rights yourself.
If you keep the salvage, the car stays in your name and you can sell it independently for scrap or to a salvage buyer. Many people do not realise this is an option and simply hand the car over, losing money they could have kept.
The write-off is marked permanently on the DVLA record and will show on any future HPI check, which is why most Cat S and N owners choose to sell rather than repair and re-register the vehicle.
Key Facts
We Buy All Insurance Write-Off Categories
Each write-off category has different rules about what can be done with the vehicle. We buy all four categories and ensure compliant disposal in every case. See our damaged car service for more.
Category S (Structural)
The car has suffered structural damage. It can be repaired and returned to the road but must be re-examined by a DVLA-approved inspector. We buy Cat S vehicles at competitive salvage prices.
Category N (Non-Structural)
Non-structural damage such as trim, electronics or suspension components. Can legally return to the road after repairs. We make fair offers for Cat N write-offs across Manchester.
Category A (Scrap Only)
The vehicle must be crushed and cannot be repaired or have parts reused. Scrap metal value only. We collect and recycle at an Authorised Treatment Facility.
Category B (Break Only)
The body shell must be crushed but mechanical parts can be salvaged. We buy Cat B vehicles and ensure compliant disposal of the shell.
What Happens After an Insurance Write-Off?
When your insurer writes off your car, they make you a settlement offer. If you accept, ownership of the salvage rights passes to the insurer unless you choose to retain the salvage by deducting its value from the settlement.
If you retain the salvage, the car remains yours to sell. The insurer marks it on the DVLA and HPI database with the appropriate write-off category, which will show on any future HPI checks. You are then free to sell it for salvage or scrap.
Category A and B vehicles cannot legally be returned to the road. Cat S and N vehicles can be repaired and re-registered but must pass a DVLA inspection. Many owners in this situation choose to sell for salvage or scrap rather than go through the repair process. If you decide to scrap, read through how our collection process works so you know what to expect from quote to payment.
Key Points on Write-Off Salvage
Insurance Write-Off FAQs
Yes, if you have retained the salvage rights. When your insurer settles your claim, you can choose to keep the salvage by accepting a reduced settlement. The car then remains yours to sell for salvage or scrap.
Category S means the car suffered structural damage such as to the chassis, pillars or floor pan. Category N means the damage was non-structural, such as to trim, electrics or suspension. Both can be repaired and returned to the road after passing a DVLA inspection.
The price depends on the write-off category, the extent of the damage and current scrap or salvage values. Cat S and N vehicles in repairable condition may attract a salvage premium. Cat A and B are valued at straight scrap metal price.
Yes. Category A vehicles must be scrapped and cannot have any parts reused. We collect Cat A write-offs across Greater Manchester and ensure they are processed at an Authorised Treatment Facility in full compliance with UK regulations.
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