Salvage Guide
UK Salvage Car Damage Categories Explained — Cat A, B, S and N
UK salvage vehicles are classified into four damage categories by the Association of British Insurers (ABI). Understanding what each category means is essential before bidding at Copart UK, BCA or any other salvage auction — it directly determines what you can do with the vehicle and how RepairIQ calculates your repair estimate.
Quick Decision Guide
Cat A / Cat B — Parts only or scrap. Do not buy to repair and drive.
Cat S — Structural repair needed. Factor in DVLA re-registration (~£55). Requires specialist bodyshop. 20–40% resale discount vs clean.
Cat N — Easiest flip. No re-registration needed. Cosmetic or mechanical damage only. 10–25% resale discount vs clean.
Typical Repair Cost by Category
| Category | Typical Repair Range | Re-registration? | Resale Discount vs Clean |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cat S | £2,000–£8,000+ | Yes (~£55 DVLA) | 20–40% below clean |
| Cat N | £500–£4,000 | No | 10–25% below clean |
| Cat B | Parts value only | N/A | Cannot be driven |
| Cat A | N/A — scrap only | N/A | Cannot be driven |
Repair ranges are indicative averages. Use RepairIQ for a personalised estimate based on your specific vehicle.
The Four UK Damage Categories
The most severe write-off category. Cat A vehicles must be crushed and cannot be broken for parts. No components can be sold or reused. You will rarely see Cat A vehicles at public auction.
The body shell must be destroyed, but mechanical and interior components can be stripped and sold. Cat B vehicles are sold at auction for parts only — they cannot be repaired and put back on the road.
Cat S vehicles have sustained structural damage — chassis, monocoque, or crumple zone deformation. They can be repaired and legally returned to the road, but must be re-registered with the DVLA. Requires specialist structural repair.
Cat N vehicles have sustained damage that does not affect structural integrity — cosmetic panels, airbags, electrical systems, or running gear. They can be repaired and re-sold. No DVLA re-registration required.
Old Categories: Cat C and Cat D
In October 2017, the ABI replaced the old Cat C and Cat D categories with Cat S and Cat N. The key distinction is the same — structural vs non-structural damage — but the new system is more descriptive. You may still encounter Cat C and Cat D terminology on older vehicles or pre-2017 records.
Cat C → Cat S
Structural damage. Repair cost exceeded vehicle value.
Cat D → Cat N
Non-structural damage. Repair cost exceeded vehicle value.
How Damage Categories Affect Your Bid
Damage category is one of the most important inputs in RepairIQ. Cat S vehicles carry structural repair costs, mandatory DVLA re-registration fees, and reduced resale values compared to Cat N equivalents. Always factor in the category when setting your maximum bid — a Cat S vehicle that appears cheap may become unprofitable once structural repair costs are included.
RepairIQ applies a category-specific repair cost multiplier to your estimate, with Cat S vehicles attracting a structural repair premium of 20–40% over equivalent Cat N damage at the same severity level.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Cat S salvage car?
Structural damage — can be repaired and returned to the road, but requires DVLA re-registration. Carry a structural repair premium.
What is a Cat N salvage car?
Non-structural damage — can be repaired and re-sold without DVLA re-registration. Generally less expensive to repair than Cat S.
What happened to Cat C and Cat D?
Replaced in October 2017. Cat C = Cat S (structural), Cat D = Cat N (non-structural). Same principle, more descriptive naming.
Can a Cat B car be put back on the road?
No. Cat B body shells must be crushed. Only mechanical and interior parts can be salvaged and sold.
Get your exact max bid for any salvage vehicle
Enter your vehicle details and RepairIQ calculates repair costs, Copart fees, max bid and profit in under 2 minutes. Free.
Use the RepairIQ Calculator →Related Guides
Know your numbers before you bid
Free salvage repair cost calculator — UK & USA. No sign-up required.