Cat C and Cat D Write-Off Categories Scrapped!
29th September 2017
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) who co-ordinates the industry code of practice for dealing with motor salvage, has updated the write-off categories for the first time in 10 years, scrapping (excuse the pun…) the C and D codes.
The aim of the ABI’s review of the codes is to help keep dangerous vehicles off the road, reflecting that it can be harder for damage to be safely repaired if they are newer, more complex vehicles. The categories, which come into force on 1st October 2017 will be as follows:
A: Scrap
B: Break
S: Structurally damaged repairable
N: Non-structurally damaged repairable
Vehicles with A and B codes have been declared unsuitable or beyond repair and should not be put back on the road – though any usable parts from category B write-offs can be recycled.
S and N category vehicles are those that have been declared suitable for repair but the insurer has decided to not repair the vehicle. These categories are allowed back on the road but differentiates between structural and non-structural damage.
Also, structurally damaged vehicles will have their V5C marked with an “S” and “This vehicle has been salvaged due to structural damage but following a technical evaluation declared suitable for repair.”
The ABI had a positive message to buyers of safely repaired vehicles – Ben Howarth, Senior Policy Adviser for Motor and Liability, said “Not all insurance ‘write offs’ need to be taken off the road forever and buying one of these cars can be a great way to find a bargain. The new Salvage Code should mean there is better information for anyone considering a second hand car, so you know what questions to ask and can buy with confidence. While these changes work their way through the system, make sure you also carry out other background checks on any used car you’re thinking of getting.”
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