When purchasing a car, it’s always important to know the history and condition of the vehicle. This is why categories like Cat N (Category N) exist, to inform buyers of any potential risks or issues with the car. But what if you’ve already owned a Cat N car? Or perhaps you’re looking to buy a Cat N car and wondering if it’s possible to remove CAT N designation from the car.
In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about Cat N cars and whether or not it’s possible to remove the category.
Cat N cars, previously known as Category D before the reclassification in October 2017, fall under a designation used to indicate certain types of damage to a vehicle.
In essence, the term “Cat N” corresponds to “Category Non-Structural.” It means the car in question has suffered damage, but crucially, this damage does not affect the core structural frame or chassis of the vehicle.
The reason a car is labelled as Cat N by insurance companies usually comes down to economics. If a car’s repair costs exceed its market value, it’s simply not financially viable for an insurance company to pay for repairs. Therefore, they write the car off as Cat N.
Nevertheless, this doesn’t spell the end of the road for these vehicles. A Cat N car can be repaired and returned to the road legally.
Unfortunately, you cannot remove the Cat N category from a car. Once a vehicle has been designated as Category N, this status is irreversible and becomes a permanent part of the vehicle’s history.
It may seem frustrating to not be able to remove the Cat N designation, but this regulation has a good reason behind it. Transparency in the car’s history is crucial, as it ensures that all prospective car buyers are fully aware of any previous significant damage or repairs, maintaining a level of trust in the used car market.
Attempts to remove or conceal a vehicle’s Cat N status are not only illegal but undermine the integrity of the entire system designed to protect consumers.
Don’t settle for less – enter your registration number and mileage and receive a free, no-obligation valuation!
When it comes to insurance, a Category N classification can make things a bit more complicated.
Insurance companies see Cat N vehicles as a higher risk, which usually translates to a higher insurance premium for the owner. The reasoning behind this is that a Cat N car has had a history of damage, which may mean it’s more liable to have issues in the future.
Moreover, the majority of insurance providers may outright refuse to cover a Cat N car because of its history. This can limit options for owners looking to insure their vehicles.
Despite this, it’s not impossible to find coverage. There are insurers that specialise in providing policies for cars with this classification, although they will likely charge a premium for the service.
One critical point to remember is the importance of full disclosure. If you’re seeking insurance for a Cat N car, you must inform your insurer of the vehicle’s category status. Failing to do so could invalidate your policy, which could lead to serious legal and financial repercussions, especially if you’re involved in an accident.
Also Read: What is a Cat A, Cat B, Cat S, or Cat N write-off car
Now that we know it’s not possible to remove the Cat N designation from a car, the question is that is it worth to repair a Cat N car?
The insurance company simply writes off a Cat N car because the repair costs are more than the market value of the car – but it doesn’t mean that the car is not worth repairing at all.
Deciding whether it’s worth repairing a Cat N car demands careful consideration. The crux of the matter lies in balancing the repair costs against the value and usability of the vehicle post-repair.
Factors to weigh include:
These are all important considerations to make, and ultimately the decision will depend on your personal circumstances and priorities. However, the common advice is to sell your Cat N car.
If you’re keen on keeping the car for personal use, ensure that repairs are professionally done.
If your own vehicle gets classified as a Category N write-off, this typically follows the evaluation by an insurance company post-accident, deeming the repair costs impractical in comparison to the vehicle’s value.
If the insurance company decides to write off your car, they will essentially take possession of it and in turn, offer you a cash settlement based on its pre-accident value.
Afterwards, the insurance company may choose to sell or scrap the vehicle to recoup some of their losses.
Should you wish to retain your car and repair it yourself, it is possible to negotiate with the insurer to buy it back at its residual or salvage value.
Bear in mind, however, that while Category S and N cars can be bought back and legally repaired for road use, Category A and B cars cannot—they are deemed too severely damaged and must be scrapped for safety reasons.
A Category N vehicle, according to the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency), does not necessitate an immediate new MOT certificate simply due to its classification.
Typically, Category N vehicles sustain non-structural damage, and therefore, might not be inherently unsafe or unroadworthy.
What’s critical is that the car’s existing MOT remains valid until its expiry, after which it will follow the standard MOT renewal process.
However, while not a legal requirement, getting an MOT-standard inspection after repairs is a prudent measure. Especially in cases where the damage might extend beyond superficial flaws.
If your vehicle suffers more significant damage, like engine, mechanical, or electrical issues, a thorough inspection is advisable to ensure safety and drivability.
Keeping a vehicle in roadworthy condition is both a legal and ethical responsibility of the owner.
Yes, you can negotiate with your insurance company to purchase your Cat N car back after it has been written off. When an insurance company writes off a vehicle, they typically take ownership and may dispose of it through auctions.
For those who are confident that they can manage the repair costs efficiently, there is the option to discuss buying the vehicle back. Be clear with your intentions and negotiate for the residual or salvage value of the car.
Once you have reacquired the vehicle, it is essential to carry out the required repairs. Before the car can be legally driven on the road again, make sure that it confirms to all safety standards.
As explained previously, Cat N designation is permanent and cannot be removed. So, the question of the cost to remove Cat N from the car is irrelevant. Remember what is a Cat N car. Vehicles with non-structural damage are called Cat N cars, meaning they can be repaired but have been deemed uneconomical to fix by insurance companies.
As such, once a car has been labeled as Cat N, it remains part of its history for life. So, a more relevant question would be how much does it cost to repair a Cat N car. As answer for that question, the cost can vary widely depending on the extent of the damage and the repairs needed.
Generally, repair costs can range from a few hundred to several thousand pounds, depending on whether the damage is cosmetic or involves critical components.
Therefore, while you cannot remove the Cat N status, understanding its implications and potential repair costs is crucial for any current or prospective owner of a Cat N car.
Purchasing a Cat N car, also known as a Category N vehicle, can be seen as taking on a car with a story—it’s a vehicle that has suffered some form of damage in the past, typically non-structural, and has been written off by insurance companies.
The first scenario to consider is buying a repaired Cat N car. In simple terms, this should mean you’re getting a bargain; the price should be lower than that of a car without this history.
It’s crucial to have a thorough inspection and a test drive to spot any potential issues. Request all relevant paperwork and a full damage history.
If the damage was merely cosmetic and the repairs are sound, this could be a savvy economical choice.
The alternative situation involves purchasing a damaged car from an auction or salvage dealer, with the aim to get it repaired, possibly to sell it at a profit or for personal use.
Here, caution is key. You should have a complete understanding of the damage and seek professional advice regarding repair costs before committing.
Such ventures are typically pursued by experts or mechanics who have the necessary skills to rehabilitate such vehicles.
For those without this expertise, it’s generally not advisable to purchase a damaged Cat N car with the intention of fixing it up.
So Is a Cat N car worth buying? It depends on your circumstances and level of risk tolerance. If the price is right and the repairs are viable, it could be a wise choice. However, thorough research and expert advice are highly recommended before making any commitments.
A car is a complex assembly of more than 30,000 parts. It is basically a maze of components, each with its own unique function. So, covering all car anatomy in a single blog post is impossible. What we’ll do today is try to understand the primary parts of a car you must recognise as a […]
Despite the increasing number of average speed cameras, many people still misunderstand how they operate. This has led to confusion and frustration among motorists who believe they’ve been unfairly fined. Let’s dispel these 8 myths about how do average speed cameras work. 1. Single Average Speed Camera Can Catch You Many believe that […]
Selling your car in the UK can involve some confusion, especially when it comes to the change of ownership. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process in 8 simple steps, whether you’re selling privately, to a dealer through Exchange My Car, or even scrapping your car. We’ll also cover the details of online […]
If you’re planning on driving in London’s Ultra-Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) or Clean Air Zones (CAZ) in Bath, Birmingham, Bradford, Bristol, Portsmouth, Sheffield, or Tyneside, you might need a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) to avoid fees and fines. But what is a Certificate of Conformity? What does it show? How do you obtain a duplicate […]
Whether you’re upgrading to a newer model or simply looking to declutter your driveway, the process of car selling requires careful planning. Unfortunately, many sellers make the same old common mistakes when selling a car. This can lead to lost time and diminished profits. In this blog post, we’ll highlight 8 mistakes that car sellers […]
The national speed limit on a single-carriageway road, also known as a rural or country road, is between 50 and 60 mph for different types of vehicles. However, 60 mph is the highest you can go on a single road in any type of vehicle. Despite a lower speed limit than dual carriageway roads and […]
25% of all engine failures are attributed to negligence in changing engine coolant. Similarly, 95% of radiators fail due to old or contaminated coolant. This simple yet effective mixture of glycol and water is an integral fluid used to cool any internal combustion engine. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the reasons why your engine […]
According to a recent survey, one-third of all road deaths in the UK are caused by overspeeding. That’s where a speed limiter can play the role of a lifesaver. As per the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC), the speed limiters would reduce accidents by 30%, saving around 25,000 lives in the next 15 years. But […]
A faulty alternator can damage other electrical components of your car. Plus, it’s a safety hazard as a failing alternator can dim the headlights of your car, leading to compromised visibility. Let’s discover the common signs of a faulty alternator and alternator replacement cost in this blog post. Along with that, we’ll also discuss why […]
The cost to replace a head gasket in the UK is between £284 and £2,946 with an average of £585. It’s one of the most expensive replacements and the most interesting one as well. The seal for the head gasket costs less than £100 in most cases. However, it is a labour-intensive replacement. So, the […]
A recent survey by Kwik Fit found that battery failure is the most common cause of car breakdown in the UK. More than 17% of all issues faced by car owners were battery-related. However, only 4% of them were worried about battery failure. So, by understanding how long do car batteries last, you can avoid […]
The ULEZ fine for all kinds of cars (petrol & diesel cars), vans, motorcycles, motor tricycles, mopeds, motor caravans, ambulances, and minibuses is £180 and comes with a 28-day payment deadline. If you pay the ULEZ fine within the first 14 days, it comes down to £90. But if you don’t pay it even until […]
Euro NCAP testing has saved more than 78,000 lives since its inception in 1997. Plus, its ratings have a huge impact on the sales and popularity of cars sold in the UK. But what do these ratings mean? And do they really carry weight? Plus, how these rating are going to shape a future with […]
AWD vs RWD vs FWD vs 4WD: the choice of transmission in your car can influence everything from fuel efficiency, driving experience, and handling to overall safety. It can be difficult to choose between these types of transmissions because most differences are so subtle that they are very hard to notice. In this guide, we’ll […]
With nearly 31% of British vehicles now equipped with dash cams, it’s clear these devices are becoming essential for many drivers. But how do dash cams work exactly? This comprehensive guide will delve into the world of dash cams, covering everything from their functionality to legal considerations and purchasing advice. Let’s get started! What […]
More than 70% of people in the UK still drive a manual car. Similarly, Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) stats show that more people take their test in manual cars. So, if you’re new to manual transmissions or are usually used to driving an automatic car, don’t worry. Our guide offers a side-by-side comparison […]
The UK is experiencing a surge in electric vehicle adoption, with over 1.1 million electric cars on the road as of March 2024, according to DVSA. More people now drive an automatic car. While manual transmissions have historically been favoured in the UK, the shift towards EVs has introduced a new norm: automatic transmissions, as […]
People have some big misconceptions when it comes to a Motability car! One is that Motability cars have specific markings; the other is that all adapted cars are potentially leased through the Motability scheme. While these things might be true, they are not foolproof methods to suggest that a car is part of the Motability […]
Suzuki has long boasted a stellar reputation for reliability, consistently topping reliability indices and surveys. But are Suzuki cars reliable enough? How often do Suzuki cars actually break down? And which Suzuki models are the most dependable? You’ve come to the right place if these questions have crossed your mind. This blog post will answer […]
Cars in the UK need to pay an annual Vehicle Exercise Duty (VED), more commonly known as road tax, in order to legally circulate on the public road. The value of the fee depends on the car’s age, fuel type, tailpipe CO2 emissions, and engine capacity, with older or more polluting models typically being more […]