A Category N (Cat N) car is a vehicle that has been written off by an insurance company due to non-structural damage. The “N” stands for “non-structural,” which means the core frame or chassis hasn't been compromised, but the car may have cosmetic, electrical, or mechanical issues.
These cars are considered repairable and roadworthy, but insurers decide it's not economically viable to fix them, usually due to labour and parts cost. Once sold, they can be repaired and returned to the road legally, though the Cat N label will remain on the car's history.
Are Category N Cars Safe to Drive?
Cat N cars can be perfectly safe, as long as they are professionally repaired and thoroughly inspected before going back on the road. Because the structural integrity hasn’t been compromised, risks to driver and passenger safety are lower than with Category S (structurally damaged) vehicles.
That said, the quality of repairs is critical. Some Cat N vehicles may be fixed to high standards by certified mechanics, while others might receive only basic cosmetic touch-ups. Before buying, it’s essential to arrange an independent inspection or HPI check to verify that the vehicle is safe and roadworthy.
Pros and Cons of Buying a Cat N Car
Pros:
- Lower price: Often 20-30% cheaper than comparable ‘clean-title’ (i.e not written off) cars.
- Lower insurance payout history: Since the damage wasn’t structural, many Cat N cars are easy to repair.
- Great value for mechanically inclined buyers who understand vehicle repairs.
Cons:
- Lower resale value: The Cat N tag stays on the logbook forever.
- Limited finance availability: Many mainstream lenders don’t finance Cat N cars - such as Ayan
- Insurance complications: Some insurers won’t cover Cat N cars, and those that do will likely charge much higher premiums.
Can You Finance a Cat N Car?
Financing a Cat N car can be more difficult, especially through traditional providers or lenders. Most finance companies avoid financing Cat N cars due to the increased risk of depreciation and lower resale value.
However, there are specialist car finance providers that may offer loans on Cat N cars, especially if the buyer has a strong credit history. Expect to pay higher interest rates (or higher rental rates if you manage to find a Shariah-compliant alternative) and possibly provide a larger deposit. Always ask the finance company upfront whether they accept Cat N vehicles.
Can You Insure a Category N Car?
Yes, Category N cars are insurable, but it will definitely be harder than usual. Some insurers may view Cat N vehicles as a higher risk, particularly if they lack a detailed repair history. This could lead to increased premiums or limited coverage options.
Before committing to a purchase, get insurance quotes from multiple providers. Be upfront about the car’s write-off status and request that repair documentation and an HPI check report are available to share with the insurer. This helps ensure you're fully covered in case of future claims.
.png)
So, Should You Buy a Category N Car?
Category N cars present an opportunity to save thousands on your next vehicle, but not without risks. Always carry out thorough checks, ask for repair documentation, and get multiple insurance quotes before buying. If you're unsure, consider getting a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic.
