If you’ve been browsing used cars recently, you may have come across the term Cat N. Often, those cars are priced much lower than similar vehicles with similar specs and mileage, and you might be wondering why.
In short, a Cat N car is a vehicle that has been written off by an insurer because of non‑structural damage. In this guide, we explain Cat N meaning in full, whether buying a Cat N car is worth considering and what your options are for CAT N car finance.
‘Cat N’ meaning in a car advert
So, what does Cat N mean when you see it in a car advert exactly?
UK insurers use a set of categories to describe vehicles that they have decided aren’t worth the cost to repair after an accident or other damage. Cat N is the write-off classification for vehicles with non-structural damage.
This means damage that doesn’t affect the main framework of the vehicle. So it has needed repairs, but the damage hasn’t compromised the chassis or frame. Insurers may have deemed it a write‑off because it was uneconomical to fix, even if it can be safely repaired.
It’s not uncommon for used cars to have this kind of history. In fact, according to carVertical, the number of used Cat N cars on the road has risen in recent years, and there were as many as 35% in 2024.
What is Cat N damage?
Cat N damage is enough for the car to be written off, but hasn’t impacted the structural safety of the car. This includes things like:
Cosmetic dents and scratches
Electrical issues like lights or infotainment systems
Engine faults
Cracked or broken windscreen
Damaged brakes or steering
“A Cat N write‑off generally means the insurer believes the structure of the car is intact, but fixing the non-structural damage would cost more than it’s worth to fix it.” — Car Finance 247
Bear in mind that while Cat N is ‘non-structural’, it doesn’t mean the car is safe to drive. The problems may still be significant.
Cat D vs Cat N
Cat D is the old term for car Cat N, meaning non-structural damage. Cat N replaced Cat D in October 2017 but you may still see some sellers using it. So a Cat N write off is the same as a Cat D write off, Cat N is just the more recent term.
Categories of write off
Insurers in the UK group car write-offs into categories based on the severity of damage. Here’s a quick overview of the different categories and their meanings:
Category |
Meaning |
|---|---|
A |
The most severe damage. Scrap only; cannot be repaired and no parts can be salvaged. |
B |
Severe structural damage. The body must be crushed, but parts can be salvaged. |
S |
Structural damage, but repairable. The chassis or frame needs repairing before it can return to the road. |
N |
Non‑structural damage, but repairable. The main frame is intact, but other parts are damaged and need repair. |
You may see an advert labelled ‘CAT N repaired’, meaning the car’s non-structural damage has been fixed and the car has been returned to the road.
For more information on this, check out our full guide to crash damaged cars.
Buying a Cat N Car: What to think about
Cat N cars can be much cheaper than cars with the same mileage and spec. This can make them attractive, but there are issues to consider. Let’s look at the pros and cons.
Is a Cat N car worth buying?
Pros:
They’re usually cheaper to buy
Theoretically, they could still be safe to drive once repaired
If you’re not planning to sell it on, the savings may outweigh resale value
Cons:
It will have lower resale value and may be harder to sell
Insuring could be trickier and more costly
You may face unexpected future repairs
Whether a Cat N car is worth buying depends on your situation. It might be a good idea if you’re planning to drive it into the ground, or have a good knowledge of car repairs so you can confidently check it over. But if you don’t, and you hope to resell in a couple of years and don’t know much about car repairs, it may not be worth it.
For negotiation tips, see our art of the deal blog.
Is it safe to buy a Cat N car?
In most cases, buying a Cat N car could be just as safe as any other used car, provided the repairs were done properly. Cat N means non‑structural damage and so the main safety‑critical parts of the car should be intact.
But, it can mean damage to really crucial things like the brakes or steering. And there’s no guarantee every repair was completed to a high standard, especially if it was repaired privately. It’s always worth getting an independent check before you buy.
How does cat n affect insurance?
Another major factor to think about is how Cat N affects the insurance you’re able to get. Some insurers are very cautious about Cat N cars and may refuse cover altogether, offer cover but at higher premiums, or place restrictions on policies.
But you may find others are more relaxed and will provide Cat N car insurance just like any other vehicle. Shopping around is essential, and comparison sites can be a good place to do this.
Can you get finance on a Cat N car?
Yes, you could get Cat N car finance, but it’s not guaranteed with every lender. It’s another risk of buying a Cat N car.
Like insurers, some lenders may be hesitant about providing finance for write‑off vehicles. They could refuse to offer finance at all, require a larger deposit or offer less favourable terms.
For more information, check out our guides on car finance for older cars and car finance for private sale.
“Getting Cat N car finance may be possible, but acceptance varies widely between lenders. You may also face higher interest rates and need a bigger deposit. Credit is subject to status.” – Car Finance 247
Precautions when buying a Cat N car
If you’re thinking about buying a Cat N car, it’s a good idea to carry out proper checks first. Here’s what you could do before agreeing to the sale:
Do a background check – check the car’s MOT and service history.
Check if it's registered for recall – it’s also a good idea to check if a used car has been recalled for repairs.
Verify the seller – avoid deals that seem too good to be true from private sellers without good records.
Ask detailed questions – find out exactly what damage occurred and how it was repaired.
Test drive it – during the drive check for any brake, clutch or suspension issues. Also check the alignment and listen for any noises.
Check the electronics – this includes dashboard lights, parking sensors and the infotainment system if it has one.
Get an independent inspection – get a qualified mechanic to look over it for any issues.
Buying a Cat N car could also save you money, so you should also make sure you’re getting a price that reflects its status. Check out our guide on how to negotiate a car price for tips on how to haggle.
“Before buying a Cat N car, get as much information as you can, get an independent inspection and don’t rush the decision. If the seller won’t allow a proper inspection, walk away.” — Car Finance 247
Conclusion: What does Cat N mean for your plans?
Many people consider buying Cat N cars because they believe they can’t get a good car brand or spec otherwise. And a Cat N car could offer good value for money, providing the proper repairs have been carried out. Especially if you plan to drive it into the ground and not sell it on.
But, it’s a good idea to understand the implications for insurance, finance, future resale and potential repair issues down the line. It’s not the right choice for everyone.
If you do need Cat N car finance, specialist support could improve your chances of securing a deal that works. Credit is subject to status and eligibility.