Write-offs. They’re incredibly worrying for many people. And, if you’re looking to buy a new car, this may be at the forefront of your consideration. However, it’s not always easy to tell – especially since write-offs aren’t always obvious. In fact, sometimes, a written off vehicle is indistinguishable from other cars. That’s definitely worrying if you’re buying, begging the question of how to check.

How to Check if a Car is a Write Off

Now we’ve considered what write-offs are and why they’re a problem, it’s time to see how we check if a car is written off. The simplest way to do this is to run a car history check. These allow you to view numerous pieces of information about your chosen vehicle, such as basic details, financing status, etc. It also provides details of whether the car is a write-off, and, if so, what category it is.

This information can be used to help inform your purchase. So, you can be more confident you’re buying a vehicle that meets your unique needs. Critically, it can also help you understand the car’s potential if it is a write off. Plus, it may help with budgeting and making a suitable offer, accounting for repair work.

Why is it Important to Check if a Car is a Write Off?

There are several reasons that checking whether your car is a write off may prove important, and keeping these in mind could help you decide on the optimal vehicle for your needs.

First of all, there’s the cost implications of a write off. Indeed, this is pivotal for two reasons. Firstly, repairing a written off vehicle will often be very expensive. Furthermore, this is added to the purchase price, so you could face a hefty charge.

More worryingly still is the vehicle’s potential. Indeed, not all write offs can ever be used on the road again. As such, if you buy one unknowingly, there’s a high risk your car will be completely unroadworthy. Don’t forget, though, that some write-offs can be bought back and made roadworthy. Thus, it’s crucial to check the car’s history before going any further.

The Different Categories of Write Off

As we’ve briefly touched on, there are several categories of written off cars. These include the following:

• Category N. Cars that are written off for financial reasons after non-structural or cosmetic damage.
• Category S. Vehicles that have had significant structural damage but are repairable, although doing so may not make financial sense.
• Category B. The vehicle cannot be made roadworthy again, but are available for use as parts.
• Category A. The car is only suitable for scrap and cannot be used in any way.

Don’t Risk It

In the end, it’s best not to take any risks when it comes to car buying. After all, there’s always a risk of getting a less than ideal vehicle – or potentially even a write-off. And, alas, not all written off vehicles can be purchased back; there’s a significant risk of buying a car for over-the-odds that’s unusable. Thus, it’s imperative to do your research before paying for any car. After all, there’s no room for error here.