A Guide to Category B Vehicles: What You Need to Know.

Category B vehicles (cat B) are one of the salvage classifications used in the UK to assess the extent of damage to a car after an accident. These vehicles are considered unfit for road use due to severe structural or electrical damage but often contain valuable components that can be salvaged and sold.

For owners, businesses, or dismantlers, understanding the implications of this classification is crucial for ensuring compliance and maximising financial returns.

In this guide, we’ll explore what defines a Category B vehicle, the legal requirements for handling them, and practical steps to make the most of a Cat B vehicle through salvage and scrappage. Scrap Local simplifies this process, ensuring your vehicle is handled legally and responsibly.

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What Are Category B Vehicles and Why Are They Classified?

Category B vehicles, or Cat B, are a classification assigned to cars deemed unfit for road use due to significant structural or electrical damage. This classification is part of the UK’s insurance write-off categories, which determine whether a damaged vehicle can be repaired or must be permanently removed from the road.

To learn more about insurance write-off categories, including category A vehicles and the key differences between Category N and Category S vehicles, check out our detailed guides for a complete breakdown.

Why Do Vehicles Receive a Category B Classification?
Vehicles are categorised as Cat B when the damage is extensive enough to compromise their overall safety, even if repairs are attempted. This classification is designed to ensure that cars with structural or safety risks are not repaired and returned to the road, protecting drivers, passengers, and other road users.

Although the vehicle’s body (or shell) must be crushed and cannot legally be repaired, many components within the vehicle may still hold value. Parts such as the engine, gearbox, wheels, and interior fittings are often undamaged and can be salvaged for resale or reuse.

The Category B classification prioritises safety while offering opportunities for recovering value from the vehicle’s salvageable parts.

Key Facts About Cat B Vehicles:

Shell Must Be Crushed

The vehicle’s frame or body must be dismantled and scrapped at a licensed Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF).
Parts Can Be Salvaged

Usable components can be removed and sold, offering financial potential for dismantlers and sellers.
Cannot Be Returned to the Road

Cat B vehicles are legally prohibited from being repaired and used on public roads.
Safety First

This classification ensures potentially unsafe vehicles do not pose risks to road users.

Legal Implications of Owning or Selling a Cat B Vehicle

Category B vehicles come with strict legal requirements designed to protect public safety and ensure responsible handling. Whether you’re an owner or a seller, understanding these implications is essential to avoid penalties and comply with UK laws.

Ownership Restrictions

Cannot Be Repaired or Driven on Public Roads: Once a vehicle is classified as Cat B, it is legally prohibited from being repaired or returned to the road. The structural damage is deemed too severe to ensure safety, regardless of how extensive the repairs might be.

Transfer of Ownership: When a vehicle is classified as Category B, ownership typically transfers to the insurance company as part of the write-off process. However, the specific terms can vary depending on the individual insurance policy. In some cases, the original owner may have the option to retain the vehicle or specific parts, subject to agreement with the insurer and compliance with legal requirements.

Selling Cat B Vehicles

Parts Can Be Sold, Not the Vehicle: A Category B vehicle cannot be sold as a whole car for road use. However, its salvageable parts, such as the engine, seats, or wheels, may be removed, refurbished, and sold legally. This presents a valuable opportunity for dismantlers and businesses in the salvage industry.

Must Be Scrapped at an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF): By law, the vehicle’s body must be de-polluted and crushed at a licensed ATF. The ATF issues a Certificate of Destruction (CoD), confirming that the vehicle has been properly dismantled and cannot return to the road.

Compliance with Regulations

Environmental Standards: Scrapping a Cat B vehicle must follow environmental regulations, including the safe disposal of hazardous materials such as engine oil, coolant, and batteries.

Documentation Requirements: Sellers must ensure all relevant paperwork, including the V5C logbook and CoD, is completed and processed correctly to avoid fines or legal complications.

Responsibilities for Sellers and Buyers

Private buyers cannot purchase Cat B vehicles for personal use, but dismantlers, garages, and ATFs can buy them for parts.

Sellers should always verify the credentials of buyers, ensuring they are authorised to handle Cat B vehicles legally.

By adhering to these legal guidelines, you can handle Cat B vehicles responsibly while avoiding legal and financial risks.

Maximising the Value of Category B Vehicles

While a Category B vehicle cannot be repaired or returned to the road, its salvageable parts can hold significant value. With strategic planning, you can maximise the financial potential of a Cat B vehicle by focusing on the demand for reusable components and the scrap value of its materials.

1. Salvage and Sell High-Demand Parts
Some components in a Cat B vehicle may remain in excellent condition and can be sold individually for a profit. Examples of high-demand parts include:
- Engines and Gearboxes: These are often sought after by garages and mechanics for repairs or rebuilds.
- Wheels and tyres: Alloy wheels and high-quality tyres can fetch competitive prices in the used parts market.
- Interior Components: Seats, dashboards, and infotainment systems are valuable, particularly for cars with luxury features.
- Catalytic Converters: These contain precious metals such as platinum and palladium, which are highly valuable for recycling.
2. Monitor Scrap Metal Prices

The shell of a Cat B vehicle must be scrapped, but its metal content—such as steel, aluminium, and copper—retains value.

Scrap metal prices fluctuate due to market conditions, so timing your sale to coincide with peak prices can significantly increase returns.
3. Obtain Multiple Quotes from ATFs

Before scrapping the vehicle’s shell, request quotes from multiple Authorised Treatment Facilities (ATFs).

Comparing prices ensures you get the best offer for the non-salvageable parts.

Scrap Local connects you with trusted ATFs that provide competitive, transparent pricing.
4. Sell Parts Locally and Online

To reach a wider audience, sell parts through local dismantlers, car enthusiasts, or online platforms like eBay or car forums.

Clean and photograph the parts, and provide detailed descriptions to increase their appeal to buyers.
5. Stay Compliant with Regulations

Some parts, such as airbags and catalytic converters, have specific disposal or resale regulations.

Ensure you understand these legal requirements to avoid penalties or disputes during sales.
6. Keep Records of Sales

Maintain a record of all parts sold, including receipts or invoices, to track your profits and provide transparency if needed. This is especially useful if you’re selling parts through multiple channels.

By taking these steps, you can maximise the financial potential of your Category B vehicle, turning a write-off into a valuable resource for spare parts and recyclable materials.

How Scrap Local Handles Cat B Vehicles

Scrap Local simplifies the process of dealing with Category B vehicles, ensuring compliance with UK regulations and maximising value for owners.

Scrap Local’s comprehensive service takes the complexity out of dealing with Category B vehicles, helping you turn a write-off into an opportunity. Whether you need to scrap the vehicle’s shell, salvage parts, or connect with trusted buyers, we offer a hassle-free, transparent service.

Partnering with Certified Authorised Treatment Facilities (ATFs)

Scrap Local works exclusively with licensed ATFs across the UK to handle Cat B vehicles responsibly.

These facilities ensure the vehicle’s shell is de-polluted, dismantled, and scrapped in compliance with environmental regulations.

Once scrapped, the ATF provides a Certificate of Destruction (CoD) for your peace of mind.
Convenient Vehicle Collection

If your Cat B vehicle is not roadworthy, Scrap Local offers a convenient collection service.

Our team will arrange for the safe transportation of your vehicle to a trusted ATF, saving you the hassle of arranging logistics.
Maximising Value Through Salvage

We understand the value of salvageable components. Scrap Local connects you with dismantlers and buyers who specialise in parts such as engines, gearboxes, wheels, and interiors.

This ensures you get the best possible return on your vehicle’s reusable components.
Transparent Quotes and Payments

At Scrap Local, we provide competitive quotes for Cat B vehicles with no hidden fees.

Payments are made securely via bank transfer or cheque, adhering to the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013. You can trust us to offer fair pricing and a seamless experience.
Expert Guidance Every Step of the Way

From understanding legal requirements to finding buyers for salvageable parts, Scrap Local offers expert advice tailored to your needs.

While notifying the DVLA remains the owner’s responsibility, we’ll guide you through the process to ensure everything is handled correctly.

Category B Vehicles: Salvage and Compliance Made Simple

Category B vehicles present a unique opportunity for recovering value through salvaging parts, even though the vehicles themselves can never return to the road. With the right knowledge and approach, you can maximise the financial potential of these vehicles while ensuring compliance with legal and environmental requirements.

At Scrap Local, we simplify the process of dealing with Category B vehicles by connecting you with trusted Authorised Treatment Facilities (ATFs) and experienced dismantlers. From scrapping the vehicle’s shell to salvaging its most valuable components, we provide a seamless, transparent, and eco-friendly service.

Whether you’re a vehicle owner, seller, or dismantler, Scrap Local ensures that every step is handled responsibly and efficiently.

FAQs: Category B Vehicles

Dealing with a Category B vehicle raises many questions, from legal requirements to maximising profits. Here are answers to the most common queries.

What is a Category B vehicle?

A Category B vehicle is classified as a write-off in the UK due to severe structural or electrical damage. While the car’s body must be scrapped, many parts can be salvaged and sold.
Can a Category B vehicle be repaired and returned to the road?

No, Category B vehicles cannot legally be repaired or driven on public roads. The classification ensures that severely damaged vehicles are not a safety risk.
What happens to a Category B vehicle after classification?

The vehicle must be sent to an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF) for de-pollution, dismantling, and crushing. Usable parts may be salvaged and sold, while the shell is scrapped.
Can I sell parts from a Category B vehicle?

Yes, individual parts such as engines, gearboxes, and wheels can be salvaged and sold. However, the vehicle itself cannot be sold for road use.
Do I receive a payout if my car is classified as Category B?

If your car is written off as Category B by your insurer, you will typically receive a payout based on its pre-damage market value. Ownership of the vehicle then transfers to the insurer.
How can I maximise profits from a Category B vehicle?

Salvage high-demand parts, monitor scrap metal prices, and obtain quotes from multiple ATFs. Selling parts locally or online can also increase returns.