Just what is a cat C designation on a used car?

Question

I've never heard of this designation in MN. As much detail as possible would be appreciated.

Is this car Certified Used?

Sold without warranty?

Repair info available on CarFax?

Etc, etc.

Answer 1

It means it has been an insurance write-off, Cat A & B are sold to registered breakers ONLY and can never be used on the road again, Cat C & D mean that the cost of repairs exceeds the market value (or reasonable percentage) of the cars market value.

Insurance companies must repair the car using new parts and recognised bodyshops, so often people buy these and use secondhand ( or cheaper non genuine) parts and cheap, or own, labour.

Cat D cars can then be used on the road again (as long as it still has MoT etc), Cat C's need a VIC (Vehicle Identity Check) from VOSA to ensure that the car you have is the car it is meant to be, this does cost and needs to be booked through VOSA, this is to check the identity of the vehicle only and it is NOT an MoT and you will still need to Mot the vehicle (as Cat C also cancels MoT).

Cat C/D will be shown on a HPi check and will mean that the car will have a lower than normal value.