Selling a Category C Car in the UK: The Complete Guide

If you've ever been unfortunate enough to be involved in a car accident, you may be familiar with the concept of car insurance write-offs. When assessing the damage to a car, insurance assessors use four different categories to determine the severity of the damage.

These categories help people understand whether they can still buy or sell a car that has been classified as a write-off. Previously, the four categories were A, B, C, and D, with the level of damage decreasing from A to D. However, there have been recent changes, particularly to category C. So, what has category C changed to?

Understanding these changes can be crucial when dealing with written-off cars. It's important to stay informed and aware of the implications when buying or selling a car that has been classified as a write-off.

What is a Category S?

Category C is now known as category S under the new salvage categories, this designation signifies that a car has suffered structural damage but is still repairable. In the past, category C indicated that the repair costs exceeded the pre-accident value of the car.

If your car falls under category S, it can be repaired by skilled engineers, although the designation will remain on the car's history for the foreseeable future. 

Is It Still Legal To Sell a Category S Car?

Certainly, selling a 'Cat S' car is completely legal as long as its status has been properly disclosed. Failing to declare the status could potentially lead to legal consequences, as the new owner might have grounds to take legal action against the seller for any damages incurred. It is essential to ensure that the status of the vehicle is accurately disclosed to avoid any potential disputes.

What should I do when selling a Category S car?

Selling a written-off car is undoubtedly more challenging than selling one without any damage. Potential buyers are often hesitant to purchase a car that has been labelled as written off. As a seller in a private transaction, it's important to be prepared for the possibility of receiving a lower offer than you would typically expect. Buyers may also request a third-party inspection to verify the full repair of the damage, and you may be responsible for covering the inspection cost. 

Additionally, the new owner is likely to face higher insurance premiums, which could impact their willingness to pay the full asking price. Consequently, this may result in a reduced selling price for you as the seller.

Can I sell my Cat S car with Sell 2 Swansway?

Unfortunately, we are unable to purchase your car classified as category S. However, if you have another car that you're looking to sell, or if you have future plans to sell a car, we would be more than happy to assist you. Keep us in mind for any future car selling needs, as we provide excellent service and strive to ensure a seamless and convenient selling experience. Take a look at our car valuation process here.