Cat D is a type of insurance write-off used when the repair cost is greater than the car’s value before the incident. The decision is made by the insurance company, not the garage or owner. Cat D cars can be repaired, but the cost of doing this outweighs the value of the car.
In October 2017, the UK’s insurance industry replaced Cat D with Category N (non-structural) under new write-off rules. While the name changed, the meaning stayed the same: the car’s damage was non-structural and repairable.
If you have a vehicle that was branded Cat D before the changeover, your car will remain as a Cat D write-off, not move to Cat N.
Cat D (now Cat N) refers to non-structural damage such as:
Yes — Cat D cars are cheaper to buy because of their write-off status. However, the savings may be offset by higher insurance costs and lower resale value. If you buy one, confirm that the repairs were completed and documented.
With a lower demand, the Cat D cars tend to be priced cheaper than their clean, healthy alternatives. While a Cat D car appeals on sale price, its inflated car insurance premiums mean you probably won’t be saving much money in the long run, though.
Buying a Cat D car can be a great way to save money, but safety should always come first. Before committing, make sure the vehicle has been properly repaired and independently inspected.
Follow these steps to check that your Cat D car is safe and road-ready:
Check repair documentation: Ask the seller for proof of repairs and review it carefully. The paperwork should show what was fixed and who carried out the work.
Get a professional inspection: Have a qualified mechanic inspect the car, paying close attention to key safety systems like airbags, brakes, and steering.
Test drive the car: Take it for a drive to make sure everything feels right — no unusual noises, vibrations, or warning lights.
Ask questions: Don’t hesitate to ask about the car’s history, previous damage, or how the repairs were done. A reputable seller will be happy to explain.
Confirm insurance eligibility: Before buying, check with your insurer to confirm they’ll cover the vehicle, as some may have restrictions for Cat D or Cat N cars.
If a car is previously Cat D, it will face higher insurance rates and may even get rejected. A car that has previously been written off is seen as a risk to car insurers, and to guard against this risk, they tend to either increase premiums or deny insurance.
Yes, a Cat D will be cheap, but this saving covers the much higher insurance premiums than you’d pay on a car with a clean history. If you are considering insuring a Cat D car, you should get in touch with your current insurance provider to see what the insurance might look like.
There are six main UK write-off categories.
| Type Of Write-Off | Description |
| Cat A | Scrap only – the car cannot be reused. |
| Cat B | Car parts salvageable only – the body must be crushed. |
| Cat C | Repairable but costs exceed the vehicle’s value (older category). |
| Cat D | Non-structural, uneconomical to repair (replaced by Cat N). |
| Cat S | Structural damage – repairable if fixed professionally. |
| Cat N | Non-structural, repairable – the modern equivalent of Cat D. |
Compared to some of the options in the list, like Cat A and B, there is hope for a Cat D car. Yes, repairs are expensive, but your car can return to the roads.
If you are looking for a good deal, a Cat D car can be a decent choice. They tend to be cheaper than alternatives due to past issues. If these problems have been solved, though, the car should be good to go.
Make sure any write-off cars you are interested in have been given a clean bill of health and consider getting a second opinion from a qualified mechanic. On top of this, consider the higher insurance premiums you will likely pay for a Cat D car.
In short, Cat D (now Cat N) cars are non-structural insurance write-offs that can be safe and affordable if repaired to professional standards.