Salvage Vehicle VIN Checks, Write-Offs and Recovery

Salvage vehicles, VINs and recovery

Salvage vehicles can arrive from insurers, auctions, traders and private owners in very different conditions. Before transport, the important questions include vehicle identity, lawful authority for collection and whether the vehicle can be loaded safely.

Insurance write-off categories

UK government guidance describes Category A and B vehicles as vehicles that cannot be repaired, while Category S and N vehicles can be repaired if returned to a roadworthy condition. Category A vehicles must be crushed; for Category B the body shell must be crushed, although some parts can be salvaged.

VIN checks are not a substitute for paperwork

The VIN can help match a physical vehicle to its recorded identity, particularly when number plates or body parts are damaged. But collection references, seller or insurer instructions and other paperwork still matter. If the VIN or vehicle description does not match what was expected, the discrepancy should be resolved before proceeding.

Loading a salvage vehicle

Damage can leave wheels locked, suspension collapsed, keys missing or bodywork unsafe. See recovery with seized wheels, recovery with no keys and accident vehicle recovery.

Auction, garage and dealer transport · Recovery services