UK Write-Off Check

Has it been written off?

Insurance write-offs are classified A, B, S and N (from scrap-only to cosmetic), with legacy Cat C and D still appearing on vehicles written off before October 2017. A repaired Cat S or N isn't always a red flag, but you should know before you negotiate. Our report shows the insurer name, loss date, and exactly which areas of the car were damaged (front nearside, rear offside, engine, interior). Plus 14 other provenance signals.

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Fifteen things a seller can't hide.

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Insurance write-off
Current categories A, B, S and N (plus legacy Cat C and D for vehicles written off before October 2017): the insurer's verdict on total losses, stripped-for-parts, structural damage, and cosmetic write-offs. Plus insurer name, loss date, and specific damage areas (front nearside, rear offside, engine, interior).
Stolen register
Cross-checked against the MIAFTR insurance stolen-vehicle database AND the police stolen-vehicle register. If it's flagged on either, you'll know before you hand over cash.
Outstanding finance
Live check against lender records. Vehicles with finance still owing can be repossessed from the new owner. Reports show agreement type (HP / PCP), lender, agreement date, and contact number.
Scrapped & unscrapped
DVLA scrap markers: ever scrapped? Ever scrapped and then returned to the road? Both are red flags that deserve extra scrutiny on condition and paperwork.
Mileage anomalies
Full DVSA mileage trail: gaps, decreases, zero-deltas between MOTs. The classic clocking signals.
MOT history
Every MOT test DVSA has on record. Pass / fail / advisories, defect detail, reading each time.
VIC inspection
Vehicle Identity Check flag. Indicates the vehicle was once a Cat A or Cat B write-off that's since been re-identified for the road. Uncommon but load-bearing when present.
Q-registration
Q-plate means DVLA couldn't confirm age or identity at first registration (kit cars, rebuilds, imports with unclear provenance). Worth understanding why before you buy.
Import & export
Was it imported from overseas, and from where (including Northern Ireland as a distinct signal)? Was it ever logged as exported from the UK? Foreign imports can have accident history UK records miss.
Colour change history
Every colour DVLA has on record for this vehicle. A recent respray can be cosmetic, or can be covering accident repair. Worth cross-checking against write-off data.
Previous keepers
How many hands it's passed through, plus current keeper's acquisition date and ownership duration. A 3-year-old vehicle with five owners is a story in itself.
Plate changes
Log of every VRM the vehicle has been registered under. Plate transfers leave fingerprints.
Running costs
Annual road tax, CO2 g/km with DVLA band letter, MPG combined, and projected annual fuel cost at 12k miles. Everything you need to budget the ownership cost, not just the purchase.
Vehicle specs
BHP, engine size, fuel type, transmission, body style, doors, seats, Euro emissions status, and insurance group. DVLA + manufacturer data in one place so you don't have to cross-reference three websites.
MOT & tax due dates
Next MOT due, next road tax due, and SORN status. Know whether the vehicle you're viewing is legally road-drivable today.
DVLA + DVSA sourcedAutomatic refundsInstant PDFUK only

Common questions

What do Cat A, B, S and N actually mean?

A = scrap only, must be crushed. B = body shell destroyed, parts can be reused but the car can't return to the road. S = structural damage, repairable and can go back on the road (must be re-inspected). N = non-structural damage (cosmetic, electrical). S and N replaced the old Cat C and D in October 2017, so older write-offs still show the legacy C or D marker and our report returns those too. A repaired S or N isn't automatically a bad buy, but it should be reflected in the price. Our report shows which specific areas of the vehicle were damaged so you can check the repair work matches the claim.

How fast is the report?

Usually under 60 seconds from payment to on-screen report. The PDF downloads immediately and a copy lands in your inbox.

What data sources do you use?

DVLA for vehicle identity (make, model, colour, year, MOT and tax status). DVSA for full MOT history and mileage. Our paid provenance partner for the stolen, write-off, finance, keeper and mileage-anomaly data.

Do I need an account?

No. Pay £13.99, get the report, done. You can optionally create an account to save the report for later or to subscribe for discounted checks.

What if the check fails or comes back empty?

We refund automatically. You're only charged for a successful report. If our provider can't return data for a reg, Stripe issues a full refund within minutes.

Can I run a check on a bike, van, or motorhome?

Yes. Any UK-registered vehicle with a valid VRM. The data depth varies (DVSA MOT records only exist for vehicles subject to MOT, so very new vehicles or exempt categories may have less to show).

Running lots of checks?

Subscribe from £3.99/month and every check drops, as low as £4.99 per check on the Fleet plan. See /pricing for the full breakdown. You also get MOT reminders, service history, and the rest of the platform.

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