The short answer: if your insurer has written off your car, the payout is normally based on its market value immediately before the accident. If you are looking at a car that has already been written off and repaired, it is usually worth noticeably less than an identical car with a clean history. As a rough guide, repaired Cat S and Cat N cars often sell for around 20-40% below clean equivalents. The exact figure depends on the car, the damage and the buyer.
These are two different questions, so it helps to know which one you are asking.
Two situations, two different values
- Your car has just been written off: the insurer offers a settlement, which is meant to reflect the car's market value just before the loss.
- You own or are buying a car with a write-off marker: the value is what a buyer will realistically pay for a repaired car carrying that history.
What an insurer usually pays
When a car is declared a total loss, the insurer typically bases the offer on the pre-accident market value. It will often use trade valuation guides and recent advert prices for similar cars. Your excess is usually deducted, and if you still owe money on finance, the settlement may go to the finance company first.
You do not have to accept the first offer. If you think it is too low, you can send the insurer evidence such as:
- Adverts for similar cars (same age, mileage, trim and condition) from the last few weeks.
- Your service history, MOT history and receipts for recent work, such as new tyres.
- Details of optional extras or upgrades that add value.
You may also be able to keep the car instead of letting the insurer take it. In that case the payout is reduced to account for the salvage value, and the car will still be recorded with its write-off category.
Insurance write-off categories and what they mean for value
Since October 2017, the categories recorded on the MIAFTR database (the Motor Insurance Anti-Fraud and Theft Register) are:
- Cat A: scrap only. The car should not be returned to the road, and parts are not normally intended for reuse.
- Cat B: the body shell must be crushed, though some parts can be salvaged. It cannot be put back on the road.
- Cat S: structural damage. The car can be repaired and returned to the road, but the repair is more involved.
- Cat N: non-structural damage. The car can be repaired and returned to the road.
In practice, Cat A and Cat B vehicles have little value beyond scrap or parts. Cat S and Cat N are the categories you will see on cars for sale. Cat S cars tend to be discounted more heavily than Cat N because of the structural concerns. These are general market tendencies, not fixed rules, and some cars sell for more or less than you would expect.
What affects the value of a written-off car
- Category: Cat S usually sells for less than Cat N.
- Quality of repair: invoices, photos and a report from a reputable repairer help buyers feel more confident.
- Make and model: popular, in-demand cars hold their value better than niche ones.
- Age and mileage: an older car has less value to lose from the marker than a nearly new one, where the percentage drop can feel steeper.
- Finance and insurance: some lenders and insurers are reluctant to deal with written-off cars. That can shrink the pool of buyers and lower the price.
How to estimate a realistic figure
Start by finding the value of the same car with a clean history. Use several sources, such as online valuation tools and current adverts for similar cars. Then compare these with adverts for the same model that clearly state a Cat S or Cat N history. This is more reliable than applying a flat percentage, because the gap varies by model and demand.
Also keep in mind that valuation tools often assume a clean history. Treat their figures as a starting point rather than a final price.
If you are buying a car with a write-off history
A lower price can be tempting, but the discount is only worth it if the repair was done properly. Before you commit, it is sensible to:
- Ask for repair invoices, photos of the damage and details of who carried out the work.
- Have the car inspected independently, especially if it is Cat S.
- Check the MOT history for advisories and failures that suggest ongoing problems.
- Confirm your own insurer will cover the car and ask how the category affects your premium.
- Be wary of a seller who does not mention the write-off history. Hiding it is a serious red flag.
Check the car before you agree a price
A write-off marker is only one part of a car's history. Entering the registration on motorpeek.com lets you look at the available information on insurance write-off records, MOT history, mileage patterns, previous keepers, outstanding finance and stolen markers, so you can negotiate with better information. We are an independent service and are not affiliated with the DVLA, DVSA or any government body, and no check can guarantee a car's condition.
Key takeaway
For an insurer settlement, think pre-accident market value, backed by evidence. For a repaired write-off, expect a meaningful discount to a clean equivalent, then confirm the history and repair quality before you pay.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an insurer pay for a written-off car?
Insurers typically offer the market value of the car just before the accident, minus your excess. If you think the offer is too low, you can challenge it with evidence such as adverts for comparable cars and your service records.
How much less is a Cat S or Cat N car worth?
As a rough guide, repaired Cat S and Cat N cars often sell for around 20-40% less than similar cars with a clean history. Cat S usually attracts a bigger discount than Cat N, and the real figure depends on the model, repair quality and demand.
Can I keep my car after an insurance write-off?
In many cases you can, if the insurer agrees. The payout is usually reduced to reflect the salvage value, and the car stays recorded with its write-off category. A Cat S or Cat N car must be properly repaired before it returns to the road.