Selling a Category S or N car: what should you tell us?

A previous insurance write-off does not tell the whole story of a car. The category records the type of damage considered when the insurer declared a total loss; a useful selling enquiry also explains the damage, repairs, evidence and current condition.

The Gladius form asks “Insurance write-off?” with the choices “No, to my knowledge”, “Yes” and “I'm not sure”. Choose the answer that matches what you know, then use the notes and optional detail photo to add the facts below.

What do Category S and Category N mean?

GOV.UK defines Category S as a vehicle that can be repaired following structural damage, and Category N as a vehicle that can be repaired following non-structural damage. Either can be used again if it has been repaired to a roadworthy condition.

Category A and B vehicles cannot be repaired for use: GOV.UK says an entire Category A vehicle must be crushed, while the body shell of a Category B vehicle must be crushed. Read the current definitions on the official GOV.UK insurance write-off page.

A category is not a current-condition report and does not, by itself, show which parts were repaired or how well the work was completed. Describe the car as it is now rather than relying on the category label alone.

Accident damage and write-off status are separate facts

GOV.UK says the insurance company decides whether a damaged vehicle is written off. A repaired bumper, paintwork, replacement panel or insurance-authorised repair therefore does not, by itself, confirm that a car is Category S or N.

• Known recorded write-off: choose “Yes”, state the category if known and describe the damage, repairs and current condition.
• Known repair but no known write-off: choose “No, to my knowledge” and describe the repair separately in the notes.
• Conflicting or unconfirmed history: choose “I'm not sure” and explain what you found rather than guessing a category.

For example: “No known write-off. Previous owner said the nearside rear door was repaired after a scrape; no invoice is available. The paint shade differs slightly in daylight and the door opens normally.”

For a recorded category, keep the category, evidence and present symptoms distinct: “Category N recorded in 2022. Invoice lists front bumper, headlamp and nearside wing replacement. Current issue: parking sensor warning appears intermittently; cause not diagnosed.”

Start with the category and what you know about the incident

If you know the recorded category, state it. Add the approximate date and the damaged area where that information is genuinely available. Useful examples include:

• “Category N, recorded in 2022 after damage to the front bumper and nearside wing.”
• “Category S, repaired before I bought it; the history report shows the category but I do not have the original damage photos.”
• “Previous write-off shown on a vehicle-history check; category and repair details not yet confirmed.”

Do not guess the direction or severity of an impact. If the insurer's assessment or original photographs are unavailable, say so plainly.

List the repairs you can support

Separate work supported by records from information passed on by a previous owner. Mention invoices, bodyshop reports, alignment reports, photographs taken during repair or replacement-part receipts if you have them. A short factual list is more useful than “professionally repaired” without supporting detail.

• Clear: “Invoice shows replacement nearside front wing, headlamp and bumper; repair completed June 2023.”
• Limited evidence: “Repaired before my ownership. I have the post-repair invoice but no photographs of the original damage.”
• Owner repair: “I replaced the damaged bolt-on panel myself; parts receipts are available.”

Do not describe an inspection, MOT pass or clean warning-light scan as proof of every repair. Each is a separate piece of information with a different purpose.

Describe the car's present condition separately

Report any remaining signs or symptoms, even if they seem unrelated to the earlier damage. Include panel gaps, paint differences, water leaks, tyre wear, steering pull, noises, warning lights, damaged trim and features that no longer work.

Avoid diagnosing the cause unless it has been confirmed. “Steering wheel sits slightly left when driving straight” is clearer than assuming the chassis is bent. The examples in our damage and faults guide can help you describe what you can actually see, hear or feel.

Check the documents without sending personal data

Keep any insurer correspondence, repair invoices and supporting reports together. If the vehicle is Category S, GOV.UK explains that DVLA records the category in the replacement V5C issued after the write-off process. Check the vehicle details, but do not upload the V5C or identity documents with the initial enquiry.

You can also review the official GOV.UK MOT history for dates, recorded mileages, failures and advisories. An MOT record does not replace the write-off or repair evidence, so describe each separately.

What if you are not sure whether the car was written off?

Select “I'm not sure” rather than “No, to my knowledge” if you have seen conflicting paperwork, been told about a possible insurance loss or found an unexplained category reference. In the notes, say what created the uncertainty and what you have checked.

You do not need to invent a category or buy a report solely to submit an enquiry. Our team can assess the information you provide and check the vehicle specification and history as part of its review.

Photograph the whole car and the useful detail

The enquiry requires seven current photos: front, rear, left side, right side, odometer, front seats and rear seats. Take the exterior views in daylight with the full side or end of the car visible. These images help show the overall present condition rather than only the repaired area.

Use the optional eighth image for the most useful extra detail: a remaining defect, a repaired panel from a helpful angle, or a close-up that supports your notes. Do not include people, V5C pages, driving licences, addresses, bank details or unrelated documents. Our valuation photo guide has the full checklist.

Category S or N enquiry checklist

• Select “Yes” for a known insurance write-off, “No, to my knowledge” only where no write-off is known, or “I'm not sure” where the history conflicts or remains unconfirmed.
• State the recorded category and approximate date if known.
• Describe the damaged area without guessing the impact or severity.
• List the repairs and distinguish invoices from second-hand information.
• Report remaining faults, warning lights, driving symptoms or cosmetic differences.
• Mention supporting invoices, reports and repair photographs you hold.
• Provide the seven current vehicle views and one useful optional detail photo.
• Keep personal and ownership documents out of the initial images.

How the Gladius offer works

Our team reviews the registration, mileage, condition, write-off history, faults and photographs together, then sends a personally prepared offer by text and email. There is no instant automated valuation. You can accept or reject the secure offer online within four days.

The offered price is guaranteed provided the car matches the description in the initial enquiry. If you accept, we call within 24 hours to arrange free nationwide collection at an agreed time or a forecourt appointment. Payment is made instantly once the sale is agreed, with no admin or transaction fees.

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