What are the different categories of write-offs?
There are 4 main categories of write-offs:
Category A: is not a repairable vehicle.The vehicle must be scrapped and no parts or components can be sold other than for scrap. In this category, scrap value rarely covers the cost of recovery and delivery to a scrap yard. Category A is designated as severely damaged such as a total burnout or flood damage with no serviceable parts, or already a stripped out shell. In the UK the DVLA will require a “Notification of Destruction”. In Ireland this vehicle would have to be disposed of in an authorised treatment facility and have end of life “certificate of destruction” issued and the vehicle then becomes End of Life (ELV).
Category B: is not a repairable vehicle. The vehicle cannot be used again but non-structural and roadworthy parts and components can be recovered for use in other vehicles. Parts taken from the written-off vehicle must not be critical components with important safety functions. A Category B vehicle write-off is a vehicle which has been damaged beyond economical repair, usually with major structural damage. In the UK the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) will require “Notification of Destruction” but parts can be removed and sold on. In Ireland this vehicle would have to be disposed of in an authorised treatment facility and have end of life “certificate of destruction” issued and the vehicle then becomes End of Life (ELV).
Category C: is repairable vehicles where repair costs, including VAT, exceed the vehicle’s pre-accident value (PAV). The vehicle is repairable but the parts and labour exceeds the value of the car. A Category C vehicle is viewed as repairable salvage. This category usually applies to vehicles with significant damage where the cost of repairs exceeds the book value.
Category D: is a repairable vehicle where repair costs including VAT do not exceed the vehicle’s pre-accident value (PAV). The vehicle can be repaired at a cost less than the vehicle’s pre-accident value. However, the vehicle is written off because other factors – such as the hire of a courtesy car for the owner or the time spent waiting for a specialist component. Vehicles replaced under “new-for-old” insurance schemes are also classed as category D write-offs. Again, a category D write-off can be bought and repaired by the original owner or a third party.The vehicle is economically repairable but other factors are involved that cause the insurer to declare the vehicle a write-off.
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