Buying a used car is exciting, but it also has some risks. What’s the main issue? History of accidents. Some cars may seem flawless on the outside, but they might have been declared a total loss in the past. These cars might have hidden damage that can impact safety. That’s why it’s important to check for a written-off car before getting it.
Here are 6 helpful tools to find cars that have been written off, so you can avoid expensive mistakes.
1. Motorscan
For a thorough vehicle history check, Motorscan is one of the most trustworthy tools. It gathers information from reliable sources like insurance companies, the DVLA, and salvage sale records. This helps check if a car has been declared a total loss.
Motorscan gives full reports using only the registration number. You will find out if the car had an accident, what type of write-off it is (Cat A, B, S, or N), and how much damage was recorded.
Motorscan is more than just dealing with write-offs. It includes things like a MOT check, traffic issues, unpaid debts and more. It’s quick, easy to use, and great for feeling confident when getting a used car.
2. HPI Check
HPI Check is a popular service that provides car history records. It gives clear information about whether a car has been declared a total loss. Their information comes directly from insurance companies, so it is very reliable.
HPI records clearly show the write-off category, so you can see if the damage is structural (Category S) or non-structural (Category N). The service also includes checks for mileage fraud, outstanding finance, and stolen car status.
HPI Check isn’t free, but it’s a good investment to avoid buying a car with a hidden accident in the past.
3. GOV.UK MOT History Checker
The GOV.UK MOT history checker is a free government tool that shows detailed information about MOT history. It doesn’t clearly say if a car was totalled, but it gives useful hints.
Check the MOT records for any unexpected gaps or significant repairs noted after specific dates. A car that has had regular MOTs but then has long breaks between them may have been off the road because it was badly damaged.
This tool works well with a more thorough check from Motorscan or HPI, helping you notice problems early.
4. Complete Car Inspection
Total Car Check provides free and paid results. The free version shows basic information about the car, like its MOT history and tax status. To get information about write-offs, you need the paid report.
The premium report includes information about whether the car has been declared a total loss, the type of that loss, and any details about the damage, if they are available. It also checks for outstanding financial, theft status, and mileage discrepancies.
It’s cheap, fast, and simple to use, making it a good choice for checking cars right away.
5. AutoTrader Vehicle Check
AutoTrader is more than just a site for looking at cars. Their vehicle history check tool gives important information, like if a car has been declared a total loss. It gathers information from insurance companies and scrap records to provide reliable details.
The record shows if a car has been in an accident, how serious the damage is, and if it is classified as a write-off. AutoTrader has made this tool easy to use for buyers who are already looking at ads on its site.
You can begin with a free check, but if you pay for a report, you’ll get more specific information, like accident history and any money still owed.
6. Checking My Car
My Car Check provides thorough reports on vehicles that have been written off. You can begin with a free basic check, but to get the complete accident information, you need to purchase a report.
The paid report shows if the car was written off, what group it falls under, and the date of the write-off. It also checks for outstanding financial, stolen status, AND mileage verification.
My Car Check is easy to use, making it great for getting fast and dependable information about a used car.
Why It’s Important to Identify Written-Off Cars
Buying a car that has been written off without knowing its past can be risky and costly. Some write-offs have structural damage, harming safety. Even non-structural damage can hide problems like electrical faults.
If the car is still damaged, it might not keep you safe in another crash. Insurance can be complicated because rates are usually higher for cars that have been written off before.
Understanding a car’s past helps you negotiate the price and make a smart choice.
Types of Write-Offs
When a car is declared a total loss, it is sorted into categories:
- Cat A: Needs to be thrown away. Not safe to drive.
- Cat B: The body needs to be crushed, but some parts can be saved.
- Cat S (Structural): Can be repaired, but has structural harm.
- Cat N (Non-structural): Can be fixed, with damage that is not related to the main structure, such as cosmetic or electricity problems.
Knowing the group helps to evaluate both the risk and the value of the car.
Signs a Car Might Be Written Off
While tools can be useful, here are some physical signs to look for:
- Paint or pieces that do not match.
- Irregular spaces between body plates.
- New parts that don’t fit the car’s age.
- Missing records in MOT or service history.
Listen to your gut feelings. If something seems wrong, take a closer look.
Mixing Free and Paid Checks
Free checks are good for general information, but they usually don’t include detailed write-off information. Begin with a free MOT check on the GOV.UK website, then get a full report from Motorscan or HPI Check.
This step-by-step method helps you catch important information. Spending a bit now can help you avoid getting a car with problems you can’t see.
Conclusion
Finding a car that has been written off is important not just to prevent losing money, but also to ensure safety. A car that has had structural damage, even if fixed, may not handle future crashes as well. Problems like broken airbags, weak frames, or faulty electronics can be dangerous, even if they aren’t easily seen.
Tools like Motorscan, HPI Check, and Total Car Check help you find problems before they affect you. They gather information from reliable sources like insurance companies and scrap records to provide a complete history of a car.
Don’t trust only what the seller tells you, even if they seem very believable. Always check with reliable sources. Check MOT history, search for missing service records and compare mileage numbers to spot any discrepancies. Getting a vehicle history check is a smart, small investment that can save you from major financial and personal issues later on.
When you’re unsure, rely on tools like Motorscan. Their thorough reports cover everything from write-offs to mileage discrepancies, outstanding finance, and more. This detailed information gives you trust when buying a car and makes sure it’s safe for you and your family.
