Step 01
Enter your registration
Every UK car has a unique registration on its number plate or V5C logbook. Takes seconds to type in.
Cat N Check — Non-Structural Write-Off Check by Reg
Category N means cosmetic or electrical damage — no structural harm, but still a write-off. Check if a car is Cat N before you buy. £14.99, instant results.
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- 01Outstanding finance
- 02Mileage rollbacks
- 03Theft, salvage & auction
- 04Write-off & Category
Why Cat N History Matters
Non-structural write-offs still reduce resale value and must be declared to insurers. An undisclosed Cat N can leave you out of pocket.
Non-Structural Damage Flagged
Cat N covers cosmetic, electrical and non-load-bearing mechanical damage — the car structure is intact, but damage was enough for insurers to write it off
National Insurer Records
Checked against UK insurer write-off databases — if the car was ever declared Cat N, it will appear on your Carhealth report
Still Affects Value
Cat N cars are typically worth 15–30% less than undamaged equivalents — even when cosmetically repaired to a high standard
Must Be Declared
Failing to disclose Cat N history to your insurer can invalidate your policy — always declare write-off history when applying for cover
How it works
From registration plate to full report — in under a minute.
Step 02
We search multiple sources
We pull from DVLA, DVSA, police databases, insurance records, auction houses, and more — all at once.
Step 03
Your report is ready
A comprehensive history report is generated within minutes, covering finance, theft, mileage, accidents, and more.
Step 04
Buy with confidence
Use your report to negotiate a better price, avoid hidden problems, and make a safe, informed purchase.
View sample report →Everything inside a Carhealth report.
Our checks go far beyond the basics — the full picture, before you hand over any money.
Report Summary
At-a-glance overview: tax, MOT, police record, insurance, finance, import/export status and more.
AI Analysis
Our AI analyses hundreds of data points to surface insights and flag potential issues you should know about.
Salvage Information
See auction photos and full salvage history — including Cat S, Cat N, Cat B write-off classifications.
Market Value
Compare the asking price against recent sales data so you know if you're getting a fair deal.
Vehicle History
Full MOT history with passes, failures, and advisory notes — a window into the car's maintenance record.
Mileage History
Cross-reference mileage readings across multiple sources to detect clocking and potential fraud.
Specification
Technical specs and original factory equipment: engine, transmission, safety systems, navigation and more.
Safety
Euro NCAP safety ratings and important safety feature checks to ensure the car meets your standards.
Maintenance
Recommended service intervals and maintenance guidance so you can plan for future running costs.
Buyers Guide
Model-specific buying advice from experts to help you make the right decision for this vehicle.
Common Car Faults
Known issues and recurring problems for this make and model — avoid expensive surprises down the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about cat n check on Carhealth
Cat N stands for Category N (non-structural). It is a UK insurance write-off category introduced in 2017, replacing the old Cat D designation. A Cat N vehicle sustained non-structural damage — this includes cosmetic panels, trim, electrical systems, airbag deployment, or non-load-bearing mechanical components. The vehicle's core structure (chassis, crumple zones, pillars) was not compromised. Cat N cars can legally return to the road after repair and do not require a formal structural inspection — but the write-off marker stays on the vehicle's history permanently.
Run a Carhealth vehicle history report (£14.99) using the car's number plate. The report queries UK insurer write-off databases and returns the write-off category, the date of the incident, and whether the vehicle has since been returned to road. Results arrive in under 60 seconds. Free checks such as the DVLA vehicle enquiry service do not include write-off history — an accredited provider is the only way to access insurer records.
In most cases, yes. Because Cat N damage is non-structural, the car's core safety architecture — its chassis, crumple zones, and pillars — should be intact. However, the quality of cosmetic and electrical repairs varies. Poorly repaired airbag systems or substandard panel work can create hidden problems. Before buying, ask for the full repair invoice, check all safety systems work correctly, and consider having an independent pre-purchase inspection. See /write-off-check for information on all write-off categories.
A Cat N designation typically reduces market value by 15–30% compared to a clean-history equivalent. The extent of the reduction depends on repair quality, the original damage severity, and the make and model. Airbag deployments in particular can be expensive to repair properly, and poorly repaired systems are a red flag. Factor the write-off status into your negotiation — a seller asking close to market value for a Cat N car without disclosing the history may be misrepresenting the vehicle.
Yes. You must declare Cat N (and all write-off) history to your insurer when applying for cover. This is a material fact — withholding it can invalidate your policy and result in refused claims. Most insurers ask specifically about write-off history on their application forms. Get quotes from multiple insurers before completing your purchase, as premiums for Cat N cars are typically higher than for undamaged equivalents.
Cat N (non-structural) means the damage was limited to cosmetic, electrical or non-load-bearing components. Cat S (structural) means the chassis, crumple zones or structural pillars were damaged. Both allow the car to return to road after repair, and both must be declared to insurers. Cat S repairs are more expensive, require a formal inspection, and typically cause a larger value reduction. See /cat-s-check for more on Category S write-offs.