Short answer: it depends on the category. Cat S and Cat N cars can be sold if they have been repaired, as long as you are open about the write-off. Cat A and Cat B cars cannot be sold as road vehicles.
Which categories can be sold?
Not as a road car. The whole vehicle should be crushed
Not as a road car. Parts may be recycled, but the shell should be crushed
Structural damage, repairable
Yes, once repaired, if you disclose it
Non-structural damage, repairable
Yes, once repaired, if you disclose it
Read more in our guide to Cat A, B, S and N categories.
Do you own it after an insurance write-off?
When an insurer treats your car as a total loss and pays you out, the car usually passes to the insurer, who then sells it, often at auction. In that case you normally have nothing left to sell. If you kept the car, or you are selling one that was repaired by an earlier owner, then you are the one selling it.
Do not hide the history. The car’s write-off record is held in industry databases that history checks search, so a buyer who runs a check will find it. Hiding it also carries real risk:
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The buyer can ask for the sale to be undone and their money back
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You could face a claim for misrepresentation
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If you are a trader, you may also face action from Trading Standards
State the category clearly in the advert and tell the buyer in writing.
How to sell a repaired write-off
1.
Know the category. Run a history check so you are certain.
2.
Gather proof of repair. Invoices, photos and the repairer’s details help buyers trust you.
3.
Price realistically. Cat S and Cat N cars usually sell for less than similar cars without a write-off history.
4.
Be upfront in the advert. Mention the category in the title or first lines.
5.
Complete the paperwork. The V5C and receipt are covered in our guide to the V5C logbook.
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Privately, to buyers who accept the category
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To dealers or specialist buyers, often quicker but usually at a lower price
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At auction, more common for cars that still need repair
If the car has finance too
You cannot sell a car you do not fully own until the finance is settled. See selling a car with outstanding finance.
Frequently asked questions
Not as a road car. Cat A cars should be crushed.
Can I sell a Cat B car for parts?
Parts can be salvaged and sold, but the shell should be crushed.
Will the buyer find out it was a write-off?
Very likely, because a vehicle history check searches write-off records.
Does a write-off stay on the record forever?
The record is kept with the vehicle, which is why you should expect a buyer to check.
Be honest, and check your own car
Running a check on your own car shows buyers exactly what you can see, and makes the sale smoother. Start with a free check at carverified.co.uk or see our write-off check. If you are on the buying side instead, read Can I buy a Cat S car?.