A salvage check tells you whether a vehicle has ever been written off, repaired and put back on the road. CarVerified searches MIAFTR (Motor Insurance Anti‑Fraud and Theft Register) and DVLA data to show salvage title status, salvage category and accident history — instantly, using just a registration number.
• MIAFTR salvage and theft register records
• Salvage category (Category A, B, S or N)
• VIN salvage title status
• Previous salvage auction history
• Insurance write‑off history
Enter the vehicle's registration number into CarVerified's free check to instantly see if it has any recorded salvage or write‑off history. If salvage history is found, our GOLD CHECK report shows the full category, repair details and accident history so you know exactly what you're buying before you hand over any money.
"Salvage" and "write‑off" describe the same underlying record — a vehicle an insurer has declared a total loss — but from different angles. A write‑off check focuses on the insurance category (S, N, C or D); a salvage check focuses on the MIAFTR salvage and theft register entry itself, including auction and title history. CarVerified checks both. See our full write‑off category guide for how Category S, N, C and D are defined.
What is a salvage title UK?
A salvage title (or salvage category) is applied to a vehicle that an insurer has written off after an accident, fire, flood or theft, then repaired and put back on the road. In the UK, salvage vehicles are recorded on the MIAFTR (Motor Insurance Anti‑Fraud and Theft Register) database under categories A, B, S or N depending on the severity of the damage.
Is a salvage car safe to buy?
It depends on the category and the quality of the repair. Category S (structural) and Category N (non‑structural) vehicles can be legally repaired and driven, but poor repairs can leave hidden safety issues. A salvage check tells you the category and history so you can make an informed decision, or get the vehicle inspected before buying.
How do I check MIAFTR records?
Enter the vehicle's registration number into CarVerified's free check. We search MIAFTR and DVLA records for you and show any recorded salvage or write‑off history alongside mileage, tax and MOT data.
Can I check salvage history for free?
Yes. CarVerified's free vehicle check includes a summary of salvage and write‑off status. For the full MIAFTR record, category details and accident history, our paid GOLD CHECK report goes into more depth.