Cat S is among the four types of write-offs which insurance companies utilize to precisely determine the extent of damage that a vehicle sustained that has caused the vehicle to become a write-off. In simple terms the definition of an Cat S vehicle is one that is believed to have sustained structural damage to its chassis, typically due to an accident.
In the majority of instances the Cat S vehicle can be repaired, despite structural issues. However, fixing the structural damage that vehicles suffer can be very costly. This is why vehicles that have structural problems are often taken off the market because the repair, maintenance and cost of hiring a car will be greater than the worth that the car had prior to the incident.
Who fixes the Category S vehicles?
Generally, body shops with specialization and garages that are independent will be the best equipped to fix Cat S vehicles. The garages and bodyshops that are these typically have lower overheads than the majority of garages due to the fact that Cat S vehicles they repair are not sold for the same price as comparable vehicles with no structural damage.
The majority of bodyshops and garages that repair and accept Cat S cars are highly reliable and experts in their area. They must be prepared to repair or strengthen bodyshells, and also to assess electrical components along with a vehicle’s exterior. It is the Association of British Insurers (ABI) defines the “structure” of a car, which might have been damaged as a result of the course of a Cat S write-off, as:
Rear chassis leg
The front leg of the chassis as well as cross member
Front inner wings
Front upper wings support
Sill
Front rail for the header
Rear header rail
Side cant rail
Front bulkhead and front wall for fire
Rear inner Wing
Extension of the rear wheel housing
A-post
B-post
What are the dangers associated for Cat S vehicles?
One of the greatest risks associated with buying the Cat S vehicle is the fact that no repairs performed by experts in bodyshops or independent garages must be independently checked by the law. So, drivers cannot be sure that a repair-worked Category S vehicle is safe to daily usage on motorways and roads.
If buying a repaired Cat S vehicle normally means purchasing a car at rock-bottom costs, there might have minor imperfections and flaws that you will encounter when driving it through the streets. If it’s irritating rattles or rattles from parts outside or doubt about the effectiveness of the airbag system in the car These are all issues are simply to be accepted as part of the normal routine when you purchase a car that is a Category S.
Why do insurance companies write-off Class S automobiles?
Typically, car insurance companies declare a vehicle a Category S when it is considered not economically viable to fix. It could be because the price of replacement parts and fittings – can be equal to or more that the worth of the vehicle it self.
In reality, the majority of insurance companies will begin to look at a vehicle as that is a Cat S write-off when the repair cost is 50% to 60% of the vehicle’s value.
What should you do if do not agree with an insurer’s Cat S classification
The final decision to write off the vehicle is made by the insurance company that covers your vehicle according to the value of the vehicle at the time, not the amount that you were paying for the vehicle. If you think that your insurer is undervaluing the value of your car on the market You can contest the decision of their insurer.
If you want to contest the insurer’s decision it is necessary to locate an equivalent vehicle model, make, and mileage that is available on the market for used cars. If you’ve recently fitted new accessories or parts to your vehicle, they must also be considered.
If you’re not happy about the decision of your insurer You can file an appeal completely for no cost through the independent Financial Ombudsman Service.
Can I get insurance for my Cat S vehicle?
It is possible to cover the Cat S vehicle, but you should be aware that this type of vehicle is regarded as high risk by insurers of cars. Because insurance is about danger, Cat S vehicles that have been repaired with no requirement for independent inspections or tests are regarded as a untested space. It’s difficult for insurance companies to judge their state of repair or their market value.
Simply put, insurers will provide you with a policy for cars that fall under Category S However, be prepared to pay a more expensive price than owners of vehicles that aren’t written off in the category of Cat S.
Can I purchase a Class S car and not even know it?
It is illegal for a dealership selling cars to conceal the class of a vehicle as Category S to prospective buyers. Make sure you read the documents of your vehicle you are considering buying using a fine-tooth comb. If you’re unsure regarding the past of a car do not be scared to conduct an HPI investigation with a vehicle information provider.
An HPI check isn’t required when your dealer is under the framework of the manufacturer’s used car scheme that is approved by the manufacturer. These preliminary checks will be conducted for you to safeguard both you and the dealer.
If you opt to purchase the vehicle from a private dealer It is a more hazy area. While private sellers are legally bound to be truthful however, they could be completely unaware that their vehicle was used to be an Cat S write-off, resulting in no compensation in the event you bring the matter to court. To avoid this frustrating and costly situation It is always recommended to take out a complete HPI investigation on any used car you’re contemplating purchasing for complete assurance.
Are Cat S cars need a VIC test?
It is the UK’s Vehicle Identity Check (VIC) program was ended in 2015 after extensive discussions with key stakeholders as well as officials from the Department for Transport (DfT). Instead the owners of Cat S cars looking to return their vehicle to the road can request the replacement V5 log book from DVLA in the normal way.
How can you tell the differences what is the difference between Cat S and Cat N?
Although an Cat S write-off is a vehicle with structural damage however, the Cat N vehicle is one with no structural issues and only the bodywork requires attention. Simply put this implies it is the case that Cat N vehicles usually have just cosmetic damage from collisions on the road, with their chassis and structure being in good condition.
Thus, although the Cat N car is classified as not economically viable for insurance companies to repair structural damage, there’s no reason to believe that an Cat N buyer is not able to return the vehicle to its original condition using the fitting of our guaranteed recycled automobile components. In reality, Cat N cars increasingly provide significant savings when in comparison to buying the same model unaffected.
In the past, prior to recent reclassification of the vehicle write-off categories Cat S and Cat N used to be classified in the form of Cat C and Cat D respectively.
Do I need to buy an Cat S?
A Cat S vehicle could be an option for you if you intend for it to be kept until an end point in its time. As we’ve previously discussed, Cat S vehicles are worth less. Cat S vehicles is much lower than comparable models that are unaffected and, therefore, if you’re considering fixing the condition of a Cat S car and selling it for some money, you’re likely to get a significant profit.
It’s important to have patience when purchasing the Cat S vehicle. It is important to consider more than superficial issues and seek out an expert opinion on the severity of structural damages as well. It is important to know that the AA or RAC both provide services that send engineers to examine your car prior to committing your hard-earned money for the vehicle. This, in conjunction with a complete HPI assessment, could offer you confidence when you are driving it once it is repaired fully.
Menu