Cat S is among the four types of write-offs that insurance companies employ to precisely determine the extent of damage a car has sustained that has caused that it is written-off. In essence the definition of an Cat S vehicle is one which has sustained structural damage to its chassis, usually due to an accident.
In the majority of instances the Cat S vehicle can be repaired regardless of structural problems. However, the process of repairing damaged structures to vehicles is a significant expense. That’s why used cars with structural problems are often put in storage as repair, administration and possibly cost of hiring a car will be greater than the worth for the automobile prior to the accident.
Who fixes the Category S vehicles?
Generally, body shops with specific facilities and garages that are independent will be the best equipped to fix Cat S vehicles. Garages and bodyshops generally have lower overheads than the majority of garages due to the fact that Cat S vehicles they repair can’t be sold for the same price as comparable vehicles that do not have structural damage.
The majority of the bodyshops and garages that repair and accept Cat S cars are highly respected and are experts in their area. They should be able to repair and strengthen bodyshells and evaluate electrical components along with a vehicle’s exterior. It is the Association of British Insurers (ABI) defines the “structure” of a car, which could have been damaged during 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 Wing
Front upper wings support
Sill
Front rails for the header
Rear header rail
Side cant rail
Front bulkhead and fire wall
Rear inner wings
Extension of the rear wheel housing
A-post
B-post
What are the potential risks associated when it comes to 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 examined by the law. So, drivers cannot be sure that a repair-worked Category S vehicle is safe to regular use on motorways and roads.
If buying a repaired Cat S vehicle normally means buying a car for sale at rock bottom costs, there might have minor imperfections and flaws that may be present when you drive it through the streets. It doesn’t matter if it’s irritating rattles and noises coming from outside parts or doubt about the effectiveness of the airbag system in the car These are all issues must be taken into consideration as part of the normal routine when you purchase a car that is a Category S.
Why do insurance companies write-off cars in the category S automobiles?
Typically, car insurance companies declare a vehicle an S-Category if there is structural damage that’s impossible to fix. This could be due to the cost of replacing components – and installation – could be equal to or higher in value than that of the vehicle it self.
In fact, many insurers of automobiles will look at a vehicle as being a Cat S write-off when the repair cost is 50-80% of a car’s value.
What should you do if do not agree with an insurer’s Cat S classification
The final decision on whether to write off your vehicle is made by the insurance company that covers your vehicle according to the value of your car at the time, not the amount that you were paying for the vehicle. If you believe that your insurance company has overvalued your car’s value in the marketplace you may challenge the decision of their insurer.
If you want to contest the insurer’s decision You’ll need the same model, make, and mileage that is available on the market for used cars. If you recently installed new accessories or parts to your vehicle, they must also be considered.
If you’re still not satisfied with the decision of your insurance company you may file an appeal for the final time for no cost through the independent Financial Ombudsman Service.
Can I get insurance for the insurance of a Cat S vehicle?
It is possible to cover an Cat S vehicle, but you should be aware that this type of vehicle is regarded as high risk by insurance companies. Because insurance is about danger, Cat S vehicles that are repaired but without the requirement for independent inspections or tests are considered to be a gray space. It’s hard for insurance companies to judge their condition or value in the market.
In essence, insurance companies will provide you with a policy for vehicles that are Category S however, you must be willing to pay a more expensive price than owners of vehicles that aren’t written off for Cat S. Cat S.
Would I be able to purchase a category S car and not even know it?
It is illegal for a dealership selling cars to conceal the designation of a car as a Category S to prospective buyers. It is important to go through the paperwork for your potential vehicle using a fine-tooth comb. If you’re unsure regarding the past of a car do not be scared to conduct an HPI review with a car information provider.
An HPI check isn’t required when your dealer is under the framework of the manufacturer’s scheme for used cars that has been 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 through a private seller this is a much grayer zone. Even though private sellers are obliged to be truthful but they might be unaware that the vehicle they are selling could be classified as a Cat S write-off, resulting in no compensation in the event you bring the matter to court. To avoid a stressful and costly situation it is recommended that you make sure you pay for a complete HPI investigation on any used vehicle you’re considering purchasing to ensure complete assurance.
Does Cat S cars need a VIC test?
It is the UK’s Vehicle Identity Check (VIC) program was scuttled in 2015 after extensive discussions with key stakeholders as well as officials from the Department for Transport (DfT). Instead those who own Cat S cars looking to reinstate their vehicle on the road can request an alternative V5 log book from DVLA in the usual way.
How can you tell the differences what is the difference between Cat S and Cat N?
When an Cat S write-off is a vehicle which has sustained structural damage while an Cat N vehicle is one which has no structural damage or bodywork that 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 the chassis and overall structure still intact.
Thus, although the Cat N car is classified as not economically viable for insurers to fix non-structural damages, there’s no reason to believe that the Cat N buyer can’t 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 as compared to purchasing 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 defined in the form of Cat C and Cat D respectively.
Should I purchase an Cat S?
The purchase of a Cat S vehicle could be an option for you if you are planning for it to be kept until it’s 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 planning on fixing the condition of a Cat S car and selling it for some money, you’re likely to earn a substantial amount.
It’s important to have patience to purchase the Cat S vehicle. It is important to consider more than superficial issues and seek out an expert opinion on the severity of structural damage also. There are two organizations that offer this service. AA as well as the RAC both provide services that send engineers to examine your vehicle prior to you committing your hard-earned money to purchase the vehicle. This, together with a thorough HPI test, will provide you with confidence on the road once the vehicle is repaired fully.
