Car checker warns of write-offs on Irish roads

Motorcheck.ie, one of Ireland's leading online car history check services, is flagging up a worrying gap between Irish and UK car buyers when it comes to cars that have been previously written off. Auto Trader magazine, which has for years been a mainstay of the used car market, has now introduced, in its UK editions, warning markings on adverts that show whether or not a car has been previously written off.

“Dealers are already required by law to declare category C or D cars to buyers, and many have approached us calling for this change,” said Jason Biffin, Auto Trader’s consumer marketplace director. “So we have worked closely with them to set up a fully automated process to make it as easy as possible. The prominent icon will also benefit consumers, delivering a message of caution, enabling them to make a fully informed decision about the vehicle they intend to buy.”

Irish consumers have no such protection, though, as insurers are still not required by law to inform the Department of Transport of a category C or D write-off. Car write-offs fall into four distinct categories. Category C and D write-offs can be repaired and legally put back on the road. Categories A and B are much more serious and are required to be crushed and not put back on the road.

“Analysis of our write-off data has shown that the vast majority of Cat C and D write-offs are repaired and put back on the road,” said Michael Rochford, managing director of Motorcheck.ie. “However, we were horrified to discover a small number of Cat A and B write-offs, which should have been destined for the crusher, have made their way back on to Irish roads.”

He continued: "It is shameful that we, and others in our industry, must gather data on Cat C and D write-offs without the support of the Government. Motorcheck.ie and others have worked tirelessly for years to ensure consumers are better informed of the vehicle history when buying a used car. The planned change in legislation cannot come too soon."