Introduction
If your car is badly damaged in an accident, your insurer or repair assessor may decide it’s a “write-off.” But what does that mean for you?
In the UK, written-off cars are grouped into categories that determine whether they can be repaired or must be scrapped. Knowing what happens next helps you prepare for payouts, replacement vehicles, and recovery of other costs.
At Nova Motor Assist, we guide drivers through this process — from arranging recovery to securing a replacement car and managing claims.
If your car is written off in the UK, it means the repair cost is too high or the car isn’t safe to return to the road. You’ll receive a payout based on its market value, and depending on the category, it may be scrapped or repaired. Nova Motor Assist supports you with recovery, replacement vehicles, and claim handling.
What Does “Written Off” Mean in the UK?
A write-off happens when:
- The cost of repair exceeds the car’s market value.
- The car is considered unsafe to drive, even after repairs.
Insurers classify write-offs into categories based on damage type and safety.
Car Write-Off Categories (UK)
- Category A: Scrap only. The vehicle must be destroyed.
- Category B: Body shell must be scrapped, but some parts may be salvaged.
- Category S: Structurally damaged but repairable (e.g., chassis damage).
- Category N: Non-structural damage, repairable (e.g., cosmetic, electrical).
👉 Most roadworthy repairable cars fall into Cat S or Cat N.
What Happens After a Car Write-Off?
1. Vehicle Assessment
The insurer’s engineer inspects the car and decides if repairs are economical and safe.
2. Payout Offered
If written off, you’ll get a settlement based on the car’s pre-accident market value, not repair cost.
3. Replacement Vehicle
If you were not at fault, Nova Motor Assist provides a like-for-like hire car immediately so you can continue driving.
4. Recovery of Other Losses
Through Uninsured Loss Recovery (ULR), you can claim back:
- Insurance excess
- Lost income (for taxi/PCO drivers)
- Out-of-pocket expenses
5. Next Steps With the Vehicle
- Cat A/B: Car is scrapped — you won’t keep it.
- Cat S/N: You may buy back the car, repair it, and return it to the road (with checks).
How Nova Motor Assist Helps When Your Car Is Written Off
- Immediate recovery & storage after the accident.
- The replacement car delivered fast (saloon, PCO, hybrid, MPV).
- Claim handling with insurers to secure fair payouts.
- Repair or replacement advice through our trusted partners.
- ULR support to recover income and expenses.
FAQs: Car Written Off What Happens UK
They compare the repair cost to the car’s pre-accident market value. If uneconomical or unsafe, it’s written off.
Yes. If you’re a non-fault driver, Nova Motor Assist arranges a like-for-like replacement vehicle until settlement.
Yes, if it’s Cat S or Cat N. You’ll need to repair it and ensure it passes a roadworthiness check.
The payout is based on the market value of your car before the accident, not repair costs or sentimental value.
The at-fault insurer is liable. Nova Motor Assist ensures you don’t pay upfront and helps recover uninsured losses.
Conclusion
Having your car written off after an accident in the UK can feel overwhelming. But knowing the categories and the process makes it easier to handle.
With Nova Motor Assist, you won’t face it alone — we’ll recover your car, provide a replacement, and manage your claim from start to finish.
👉 Don’t let a write-off leave you stranded. Call Nova Motor Assist today.