Damage Categories
Understanding Damage Categories: A, B, C, D Explained
Before you bid on any salvage car, you need to know what the damage category means for your repair bill and your ability to put the car back on the road. Here's a clear breakdown of categories A, B, C, and D — including what's repairable, what isn't, and what each means for resale.
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The Four Categories at a Glance
Cat A — Scrap Only
✗ Not road-repairable
Severely damaged vehicles that must be crushed. No parts can be salvaged. The vehicle cannot legally return to the road and cannot be sold as a repair project.
Cat A cars have catastrophic structural damage or fire/burnout beyond any salvage value. The entire vehicle — including usable parts — must be destroyed. Never buy a Cat A car unless you're a licensed ATF (Authorised Treatment Facility).
Cat B — Parts Only
✗ Not road-repairable
Extensive structural damage. The vehicle body shell must be crushed, but usable parts can be removed and sold. Cannot be repaired and returned to the road.
Cat B cars are beyond economical repair but their components — engine, gearbox, doors, panels, interior — can be harvested by a licensed dismantler. Only registered traders with an ATF licence can buy Cat B vehicles at auction.
Cat C — Repairable (Old System)
✓ Repairable
Repairable vehicles where repair costs exceeded the pre-accident value. Replaced in 2017 by Cat S, but the term is still widely used. Must pass a DVLA VIC inspection before returning to the road.
Under the pre-2017 system, Cat C meant the damage was repairable but the repair cost was more than the vehicle's value. Modern equivalent is Cat S. If buying an older vehicle still labelled Cat C, expect a DVLA identity check (VIC) before re-registration.
Cat D — Repairable (Old System)
✓ Repairable
Repairable vehicles where repair costs were less than the pre-accident value. Replaced in 2017 by Cat N. Easier and cheaper to repair than Cat C/S vehicles.
Under the old system, Cat D meant damage was repairable for less than the car's value — typically cosmetic or light damage. The modern equivalent is Cat N. Cat D cars are generally the safest salvage buys but still need careful inspection.
Cat C vs Cat D: What\'s the Difference?
The difference comes down to repair cost relative to the car's value:
- Cat C — Repair cost exceeded the pre-accident value. More serious damage, bigger repair bill, often structural. Needs a DVLA VIC identity check on older cases.
- Cat D — Repair cost was less than the pre-accident value. Lighter damage, cheaper repair, usually cosmetic or non-structural. Generally the safer salvage buy.
Since October 2017, the UK replaced Cat C with Cat S (structural, repairable) and Cat D with Cat N (non-structural, repairable). You'll still see Cat C and Cat D on older listings and in international auction terminology.
What\'s Repairable — and What Isn\'t
✓ Repairable: Cat C / Cat D (and modern Cat S / Cat N)
These vehicles can be repaired and put back on the road. You'll need to complete the repairs to a roadworthy standard, pass any required inspections, and re-register with the DVLA. The damage category stays on the car's record permanently, which affects resale value and insurance.
✗ Not Repairable: Cat A / Cat B
Cat A vehicles must be crushed entirely. Cat B vehicles must have the body shell crushed, though parts can be harvested. Neither can be repaired and returned to the road. Only licensed ATF dismantlers can buy Cat B vehicles at auction.
How Damage Category Affects Your Costs
The damage category is the single biggest factor in your repair bill — but it's only the starting point. A Cat D car with hidden structural damage can cost more than a clean Cat C. Always assess the actual damage zones, severity, and running condition before bidding. RepairIQ factors all of this into your max bid automatically.
- Cat A/B: Do not buy unless you're a licensed dismantler.
- Cat C/S: Higher repair costs, structural work, VIC inspection. Budget 20%+ margin.
- Cat D/N: Lower repair costs, usually cosmetic. Good entry point for new salvage buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Cat C mean on a salvage car?
Cat C means the vehicle is repairable but the repair cost exceeded the car's pre-accident value. Replaced by Cat S in 2017. Older Cat C vehicles need a DVLA VIC identity check before re-registration.
What does Cat D mean on a salvage car?
Cat D means the vehicle is repairable and the repair cost was less than the car's value — usually lighter or cosmetic damage. Replaced by Cat N in 2017. Generally the safest salvage category to buy.
Can a Cat C or Cat D car go back on the road?
Yes — both are repairable. Once repaired and any required DVLA VIC check is passed, the car can be re-registered and driven. The category stays on the record permanently, affecting insurance and resale.
What's the difference between Cat C and Cat D?
Repair cost. Cat C means the repair exceeded the car's value. Cat D means the repair was less than the car's value. Cat D vehicles typically have lighter, cheaper damage.
What are the current UK damage categories?
Since October 2017, the UK uses Cat S (structural, repairable) and Cat N (non-structural, repairable) instead of Cat C and Cat D. Cat A and Cat B remain.
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