How To Sell A Cat S Car: A Complete Guide

Looking to sell a category S car? Or how to find the best valuation for a cat s car before selling it privately?

We’ll explain the ins and outs of a cat s car in this quick and insightful guide so that you can not only know what to do with a cat s car but also receive the best possible price when putting your Cat S car for sale.

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Cat S Car Meaning

So, to start we should unravel what is a cat s car.

  • Cat S cars can be defined as being a structurally damaged vehicle
  • This is often the case when the vehicle has been involved in a high collision accident and is now damaged or broken.
  • Cat s cars, unlike category N cars, may prove more challenging to repair and as such, are typically assessed for their ability to be repaired.
  • Other insurance write-off categories include: Category A, Category B and Category N.

Insurance providers, if the car is on finance, will often undertake an assessment of a vehicle that is damaged and the costs exceed its worth is classed as ‘Beyond Economic Repair’.

An insurance company will then conduct an inspection of the vehicle. If the damage and predicted cost exceeds 60% of the value of the car, the insurance company will class this as beyond repair and will assign a category S or category N.

Insuring a Cat S Car

Insuring a Category S car can often prove difficult.

  • This is because most insurance categories of cars can inhibit issues when it comes to salvage and repairs.
  • Additional factors include insurance premiums, which can often inflate the value and total ownership cost of a cat s car.
  • Due to this, not many people consider keeping cat s cars in the long run, as bills can soon rack up fast.

Consider this when looking to buy or ensure a cat s car.

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Cat S Car Value: How to make a Cat S Car Valuation

The value of a cat S car is often defined by its salvage value. In addition, these factors also play a hand in the value of a cat s car.

  • Current market price
  • Number of salvage parts
  • Vehicle Age, Make and Model.

Unlike a cat N car, the vehicle isn’t as easily repaired by a licensed car breaker, or indeed your local mechanic.

That doesn’t mean your category s car holds no value.

Certain cat s cars, that are classed as modern salvage, may hold even higher value due to the number of repurposed parts.

As with most vehicles in the used and salvage car market, the age, make and model are also considerable factors that will influence the price of a car s car.

So in this instance, a 2017 CAT S Audi a3 Quattro will hold more value than a 2012 Vauxhall Corsa. 

Due to this, when buying a cat s car or indeed selling one, it’s important to look at the long-term value and convenience factors this will have for you when it comes to selling.

Selling A Cat S Car Privately

When selling a cat s car privately, you should focus on the following 3 factors:

  • Convenience
  • Costs and Fees
  • Price

Understandably, when selling a cat s car, the convenience of selling one, the additional costs, and ultimately the price, are all key influences of your decision to sell a cat s car. Prices are wary and the profit you’re left with at the end can only be controlled so much.

In addition, certain methods of selling a cat s car privately do hold extra costs and fees. If you wanted to sell a cat s car on marketplace platforms, these can have listing fees.

Whereas, when looking to chase a quick sale online, such as social media platforms, these can often present more hassle due to additional haggling, no clear-cut price, and also illegal activity.

With price being a key factor for a cat s car, it’s important you find a suitable buyer who specialises in and will pay top dollar for your category s vehicle.

These can be damaged car buyers as well as local salvage dealers. Often, these buyers do require some vetting so you can ensure you’re in safe hands.

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Best Price For Cat S Cars

If your car is a category s Car and you want to put it up for sale the right way, why not consider Scrap Locals approved Salvage Car Dealers?

By enquiring to sell your cat s car with us, we will find your best prices locally, saving you the hassle and hassle of messing around online.

We buy any cat s car that is for sale, and upon online assessment, can provide you with some fantastic offers.

Our offers are valid and guaranteed, and we handle the rest of the process such as paperwork, quick secure payment alongside free collection nationwide.

So, if you’d like to sell a cat s car, get in touch with Scrap Local today!

FAQs: Selling a category S insurance write-off.

If you own a Category S (Cat S) car and are considering selling it, you may have several questions about the process. From understanding what a Cat S car is to finding the best price, this guide answers the top 5 frequently asked questions to help you make an informed decision.

  • What is a Cat S car?

    A Category S car is a vehicle that has sustained structural damage, often from a significant collision. While these cars may cost more to repair, they can still be legally fixed and returned to the road. Cat S status must be disclosed to buyers during a sale.

  • Can I sell a Cat S car privately?

    Yes, you can sell a Cat S car privately. However, you’ll need to focus on convenience, costs, and price. Selling on online platforms may include listing fees, while specialized buyers, such as salvage dealers, often provide quicker and hassle-free transactions.

  • How do I determine the value of a Cat S car?

    The value of a Cat S car depends on factors like its make, model, year, and salvageable parts. Newer or premium vehicles (e.g., a 2017 Audi A3 Quattro) often hold more value than older models. Research market prices or consult salvage experts to get an accurate valuation.

  • Is it difficult to insure a Cat S car?

    Insuring a Cat S car can be challenging due to its salvage status. Many insurers increase premiums, and some may decline coverage altogether. It’s important to shop around for insurers willing to provide fair rates and disclose the Cat S status for valid coverage.

  • Who buys Cat S cars?

    Cat S cars are typically purchased by:

    • Salvage car dealers.
    • Local scrapyards.
    • Specialist damaged car buyers.

    Ensure you choose a reputable buyer who offers competitive prices and handles the necessary paperwork professionally.

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