What Is A Cat C Salvage Car?

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BMW 3 Series with light side panel collision damage

What is a Cat C salvage car? In short these vehicles are repairable salvage, possibly with some structural damage, where the COR (cost of repairs) exceeds the book value. DVLA records these vehicles as 'Category C' and holds their V5 documents. Once repairs are completed you must re-apply to DVLA for registration on the original identity. Re-registration removes the Cat C classification, but evidence it was at one time remains on the vehicle's record at DVLA, HPI, AA and the like. Before returning to the road these vehicles must have a VIC (vehicle identity check) inspection which costs from £36.

Cat C salvage cars and the VIC inspection: Officially, the VIC does not check roadworthiness. If any significant defects are present, they can prevent it being used, but it is not a check of vehicle condition or roadworthiness. Once the VIC has been passed you will be given a VIC20 pass certificate and you can apply to DVLA for V5C. This shows the vehicle as being 'substantially repaired and or accident damaged; identity checked on dd/mm/ccyy'.

So how much should you pay for a Cat C salvage car? As a rough guide refer to Parkers and check the value of the vehicle without damage and deduct 50%.

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