What Does Category B Mean on a Car?
If you’re researching insurance write-offs or considering buying salvaged car parts, you may come across the term “Category B” (or “Cat B”). Understanding what this classification means is essential, especially if you’re thinking about purchasing a vehicle with a damaged history. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Category B cars.
What is a Category B Car?
A Category B car is a vehicle that has been declared a write-off by an insurance company due to severe damage. Unlike Category S or N cars, which can be repaired and put back on the road, a Category B vehicle cannot legally be driven again. However, certain parts may be salvaged and used in other vehicles.
Key Features of a Category B Car:
- Extensive damage that makes the car unsafe to repair and return to the road.
- Cannot be resold as a complete car or given a new logbook.
- Parts may be salvaged and used in other vehicles, provided they pass safety checks.
- The car’s shell (chassis) must be destroyed and cannot be reused.
How Does a Car Become Category B?
An insurance company assigns a Category B status when a car has suffered significant damage, making it unsafe to drive even after repairs. This classification often results from:
- Major collisions causing structural frame damage beyond safe repair.
- Severe fire damage, affecting the car’s integrity.
- Flood damage that compromises electrical and mechanical systems.
- Other cases where repairing the car would be unsafe or uneconomical.
Category B vs. Other Write-Off Categories
It’s important to understand how Category B compares to other insurance write-off classifications:
| Category | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Cat A | Vehicle must be completely scrapped; no parts can be reused. |
| Cat B | Vehicle cannot be driven again, but some parts may be salvaged. |
| Cat S | Structural damage but repairable; can legally return to the road. |
| Cat N | Non-structural damage, often cosmetic; can be repaired and resold. |
Can You Buy a Category B Car?
While you cannot legally buy a Category B car as a whole vehicle, registered dismantlers and scrapyards can purchase them for salvageable parts. If you’re looking for second-hand car components, a Cat B vehicle can be a great source of usable parts, such as:
- Engines
- Gearboxes
- Seats and interior components
- Some electrical systems
However, chassis and structural components must be destroyed and cannot be resold.
How to Check if a Car Was Category B
If you’re purchasing second-hand car parts, it’s important to check the history of the vehicle they came from. You can:
- Use a vehicle history check service like HPI Check or Experian AutoCheck.
- Ask the seller for documentation on where the parts were sourced.
- Look for proof of professional dismantling, ensuring the parts meet safety standards.
Should You Use Category B Car Parts?
Buying parts from a Category B vehicle can be a cost-effective way to repair your own car, but there are some things to consider:
Pros:
✅ Lower cost – Salvaged parts are often cheaper than new ones.
✅ OEM quality – You can find original manufacturer parts at a fraction of the price.
✅ Environmentally friendly – Reusing car parts reduces waste.
Cons:
❌ Limited availability – Not all parts from a Cat B car can be reused.
❌ Unknown history – Ensure the parts were professionally inspected and are safe to use.
❌ No warranty – Salvaged parts may not come with a guarantee like new ones do.
Final Thoughts: Understanding Category B Cars
Category B cars are too damaged to be driven again, but their usable parts can still be valuable. If you’re buying second-hand parts, always ensure they come from a reputable dismantler and are professionally inspected for safety.
Want to learn more about different vehicle write-off categories? Stay informed before buying a used car or salvaged parts to make the right decision!