Salvage Categories Explained

What are the four salvage Categories 

Cat A - Scrap

The vehicle has no or useable parts and should be crushed entirely. No parts removed

Cat B  - Break

The vehicle has some reuseable parts but has been has been deemed as unsuitable to  repair. 

Cat S - Repairable Structural

An insurer or self insurer has decided not to repair the vehicle but it is considered safe to repair. The damage includes a structural element.

Cat N - Repairable Non Structural

An insurer or self insurer has decided not to repair the vehicle  but it is considered safe to repair. The damage is non structural.

A summery of the ABI Code of Practice for vehicle salvage categorisation

A salvage category may only be applied by a AQP,  they must follow the code of practice when determining the appropriate code

The MIAFTR entry should be completed within a reasonable period of time -

Cat A vehicles

Must not be returned  to the road Should be crushed in its entirity.  V5 retuned to DVLA and not re-issued, Vin distroyed. V860 completed

Cat B vehicles 

Must not be returned to the road The bodyshell should be crushed entirely and chassis number destroyed. Any functional components can be resold, V5 returned to and not re-issued. V860 completed.

Cat S vehicles

The vehiclel can be repaired and returned to the road. V5 can be re-issued with note confirming Cat S status, the rules relating to  Cat B vehicels should be followed if the vehicle is broken for spares.

Cat N vehicles 

The vehicle can be repaired and returned to the road and the V5 re-issued without any salvage reference. The rules relating to Cat B vehicles should be followed if the vehicle is broken for spares.

What is an Insurers responsibilty when dealing with vehicle salvage

The responsibilities are set out in the ABI Code of Practice, the insurer and appointed salvage agent must fully comply

This includes:

Applying the appropraite salvage code by an AQP

The MIAFTR entry should be completed within a reasonable period of time.

The vehicle salvage disposed of promptly and ethically

V5 completed and returned to the DVLA

V860 form completed on Cat A and B vehicles in addition to N and S vehicles that are broken rather than repaired.