Part of the £4.99 full history report

Check a car’s recorded write-off history

A polished advert does not explain an insurance write-off. Our £4.99 full history report shows the recorded category and available detail, with questions to ask about the car’s repair history.

Start with the free MOT and mileage check. Confirm the vehicle, then choose the full report for £4.99. This paid history check is not included in the free result.

The record, explained

The provider’s write-off status and recorded category, including legacy categories where supplied.
Available loss date, insurer and damage information.
An explanation of the category and a checklist for investigating the recorded damage.

A write-off record does not establish that a repair was completed correctly, and a clear record does not prove a car has never been damaged. Uninsured repairs and records missing from the source may not appear. This report does not include an engineering inspection.

Explore a sample report

What to do with the result

Read the category before the price
Categories S and N distinguish structural and non-structural write-offs. Categories A and B have different disposal requirements. Follow current official guidance for the category shown.
Ask for the repair trail
Request dated photographs, invoices and an explanation of the work. The report’s loss date and damage details can help you ask precise questions; they are not proof of repair quality.
Arrange an independent inspection
Ask a qualified inspector to assess the actual vehicle and any relevant repair evidence. Confirm insurance availability and consider the effect of the recorded history before agreeing a price.

Questions before you check

Are Cat S and Cat N the same?: No. Cat S records structural damage and Cat N records non-structural damage. Both require appropriate repairs before road use. The category alone does not tell you the current condition or repair quality.
Will every accident appear?: No. A history report checks supplied records; it cannot reveal every private repair, unreported incident or missing record. Inspect the car and compare its documents with the seller’s account.
Does the free MOT check include write-off status?: No. Recorded insurance write-offs are part of the £4.99 full history report. A passed MOT is not a substitute for checking recorded history or inspecting a repair.

Sources and next steps

Reviewed 15 October 2026 by Plateworthy. General guidance; verify the vehicle and documents before buying.

Getting things ready

Lining up the next part of your vehicle check.

Check a car’s recorded write-off history

A polished advert does not explain an insurance write-off. Our £4.99 full history report shows the recorded category and available detail, with questions to ask about the car’s repair history.

Start with the free MOT and mileage check. Confirm the vehicle, then choose the full report for £4.99. This paid history check is not included in the free result.

The record, explained

The provider’s write-off status and recorded category, including legacy categories where supplied.

Available loss date, insurer and damage information.

An explanation of the category and a checklist for investigating the recorded damage.

Explore a sample report

What to do with the result

Read the category before the price

Categories S and N distinguish structural and non-structural write-offs. Categories A and B have different disposal requirements. Follow current official guidance for the category shown.

Ask for the repair trail

Request dated photographs, invoices and an explanation of the work. The report’s loss date and damage details can help you ask precise questions; they are not proof of repair quality.

Arrange an independent inspection

Ask a qualified inspector to assess the actual vehicle and any relevant repair evidence. Confirm insurance availability and consider the effect of the recorded history before agreeing a price.

Questions before you check

Are Cat S and Cat N the same?

No. Cat S records structural damage and Cat N records non-structural damage. Both require appropriate repairs before road use. The category alone does not tell you the current condition or repair quality.

Will every accident appear?

No. A history report checks supplied records; it cannot reveal every private repair, unreported incident or missing record. Inspect the car and compare its documents with the seller’s account.

Does the free MOT check include write-off status?

No. Recorded insurance write-offs are part of the £4.99 full history report. A passed MOT is not a substitute for checking recorded history or inspecting a repair.