Cat S and Cat N: the questions to ask about a recorded write-off
Understand the distinction between recorded structural and non-structural damage, then investigate the individual vehicle and its repairs.
Reviewed 2026-10-20 · Independent vehicle research guidance
Understand the category before the story
GOV.UK describes category S as repairable structural damage and category N as repairable non-structural damage. Its guidance says those vehicles can be used again when repaired to a roadworthy condition. The category does not tell you how well a particular repair was carried out.
Treat the marker as a starting point for a vehicle-specific investigation. Ask which incident the seller is describing and compare that account with the dates in the available records. Do not assume a general description applies to the exact damage on this vehicle.
Ask for a repair evidence pack
Useful questions include who carried out the work, what documentation remains and whether photographs show the condition before and during repair. Record the answers alongside the report finding. If the story changes, keep the discrepancy visible rather than smoothing it into one narrative.
Ask an appropriately qualified inspector what can be assessed on the vehicle now. A category label, an old photograph and a repair invoice each answer different questions; none should be treated as a universal safety certificate.
Keep financial assumptions explicit
Make your decision using the vehicle itself, the evidence available and the costs you expect to face. If you use the buying-budget tool, enter your own inspection and repair allowances and label them as estimates.
A missing write-off marker does not show that no accident ever occurred. Equally, a returned marker needs context. Our report distinguishes recorded findings from unavailable data so you can decide which questions still need an answer.
Primary sources & further reading
Check records, then inspect the vehicle.
A history check can add useful context. It cannot prove ownership, roadworthiness or that every accident has been recorded.
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