Check if my vehicle has been written off

Check if a vehicle has been written off by insurers before buying. Use hpi check® to uncover any write-off history and make an informed purchase.

Access the UK’s most comprehensive database, fed by the Motor Insurers’ Bureau

hpi check® data is backed by a £30,000 guarantee if you suffer a loss

Customer support team is available 7 days a week if you have questions

A full hpi Check® report includes 80+ data points to help you make an informed decision

What do insurance write-off categories mean?

When a vehicle is damaged, insurers assess whether it’s economical to repair. A vehicle will be classified as a write-off if repairs cost more than its value at the time of the incident. Understanding the write-off categories helps you assess the extent of damage and potential risks.

Write-off categories explained:

✔ Category A: Scrap only. The vehicle must be crushed and cannot be repaired or used for parts.

✔ Category B: Break for parts. The vehicle cannot be repaired but usable parts can be salvaged.

✔ Category S (formerly C): Structurally damaged but repairable. Significant damage to the structural frame or chassis

✔ Category N (formerly D): Non-structural damage. Repairable damage that doesn’t affect the structural integrity

Note: Categories S and N replaced older versions called C and D in October 2017 to provide clearer information about structural damage

What's included in a vehicle write-off check?

An hpi check® provides detailed information about a vehicle’s write-off status and much more. View a sample hpi check® report to see each data point we cover.

✔ Write-off status: Discover if the vehicle has been written off by an insurance company.

✔ Write-off category: Learn which write-off category the vehicle falls into (A, B, S, or N) to understand the extent of damage – and whether the insurer decided to repair it.

✔ Date of write-off: Find out when the vehicle was declared a total loss.

✔ Additional vehicle history: Access more than 80 other data points to give you the full picture of the vehicle you’re interested in. These points include outstanding finance, mileage discrepancies, theft status and more.

How much does a vehicle write-off check cost?

A full hpi check® costs £19.99 and includes a comprehensive write-off check along with over 80 critical data points about the vehicle’s history. This ensures you have all the information you need to make a confident purchase.

If you’re considering multiple vehicles, our Multicheck package offers three full checks for £29.99, saving you 50% compared to buying individually. You’ll receive one immediate report and two vouchers to use within two years.

For a basic write-off check, our £9.99 option will inform you if the vehicle has been written off. However, this package does not include the write-off category details, our £30,000 data guarantee or the additional information provided in the full report.

Why should I check if a vehicle has been written off?

Purchasing a vehicle without knowing its write-off history can lead to unforeseen problems:

✔ Safety risks: Vehicles in categories A and B are not safe to be on the road. Even category S and N vehicles may have underlying issues if they have not been properly repaired or if things have been overlooked.

✔ Financial loss: Write-off vehicles have reduced resale value. You could overpay by thousands if the seller has not made you aware of the vehicle’s history.

✔ Insurance issues: Insuring a previously written-off vehicle can be more expensive or may require specialist cover. Some insurers may simply refuse to cover the vehicle at all.

✔ Legal implications: Driving a vehicle that should have been scrapped is illegal and dangerous.

Did you know?

· hpi check® uncovers more than 2,000 insurance write-offs every day.

Not sure if a vehicle has been written off?

If a vehicle’s damage has been repaired, it might not be immediately obvious that it has previously been declared a total loss. If an ad doesn’t mention a category status, some signs might indicate that an issue is at hand.

✔ Mismatched paintwork or panels: Indicates repairs after damage that may be substandard.

✔ Gaps in service history: Could suggest a period when the vehicle was off the road due to repairs.

✔ Seller reluctance: Hesitation to provide full details or allow a thorough inspection of the vehicle ought to stop you in your tracks.

Driving a written-off car without knowing its history could put your safety – and your wallet – at serious risk. From hidden structural damage to potential insurance headaches, a write-off check is the easiest way to steer clear of trouble

Why choose hpi check® for vehicle write-off status?

When it comes to verifying a vehicle’s write-off history, hpi check® offers unparalleled reliability:

✔ Industry pioneers: We are the UK’s original and only authentic hpi check® and have over eight decades of experience.

✔ Comprehensive data: Our reports include information directly from Motor Insurance Anti-Fraud Theft Register (MIAFTR) databases.

✔ Data guarantee: We’ll reimburse you by up to £30,000 if the contents of our reports lead to you suffering a financial loss.

✔ UK-based customer support: You can contact us 7 days a week if you need help with your report.

✔ Trusted by millions: See below some of the success stories from customers who have used hpi check® to avoid costly mistakes.

“The customer service is excellent, the online customer adviser was really helpful, thank you so much.”

“We used HPI check because we trusted their information on a used car that we wanted to purchase. In the world of used cars this proved to be invaluable advice, we would recommend anyone thinking of buying a quality used car to use this service.”

“Saw the car I wanted, checked the car through your website, and how relieved I was that I did check its history. It was an insurance write-off, and the mileage was incorrect. Saved me from a very bad situation, and having a conman making my life a misery. Money well spent. Thanks”

“I just needed a bit of reassurance that the car I was buying was indeed what it said in the ad. Initially the report I had back from HPI said there was HP outstanding but by following the advice and calling the finance company, I was pleased that this had indeed been cleared.”

Check if a vehicle has been written off today

Don’t leave your next car purchase to chance. An hpi check® provides essential insights to ensure the vehicle you’re considering hasn’t been written off and is safe to drive. Uncover any hidden history and buy with confidence.

Visit our knowledge hub for more tips on buying used cars and other motoring updates.