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Motor Insurance 'write off's' to get new categories from 1st October
Ever wondered what the difference was between a Cat 'D' and a Cat 'C' for a written-off car? Well, the bad news is that even if you had got to grips with the system it is being replaced with a new one from 1st October.
The new coding system will be:
- A - Scrap
- B - Break for parts
- N - Non structural damage repairable
- S - Salvaged due to structural damage but following a technical evaluation declared suitable for repair
.jpg "motor insurance write off categories")
The Association of British Insurers says the new system gives a clear sign to vehicle buyers on the history of the vehicle. It is recommended that anyone considering an 'S' or 'N' salvaged vehicle get a full vehicle inspection to be satisfied that the repairs were done to a proper standard.
The new categories will only be applied to vehicles that are classed as 'total losses' from 1st October, the original categories assigned prior to that date remain for any vehicle which has been previously written off and returned to the road.
So what does this mean for you? If you're in the market for a second-hand car, check that it wasn't written off after 1st October - and if it was, make sure you get a full vehicle inspection before signing on the dotted line.
Ultimately if you buy a vehicle that has been written off, and you didn't know then you could pay way over the odds for the car. This is a particular issue when you buy the car privately, as there is no way of knowing the car's history.
If you have any concerns about a car you're thinking of buying, then get a car history check done before you part with any cash.