The Insider's Dictionary for Salvage Auctions
With decades of experience in the salvage industry, we know the terms, tricks and what really matters when it comes to buying salvage online. Our A-Z guide is here to cut through the jargon and give you the confidence to navigate salvage auctions like a pro.
Category A Vehicles: These vehicles are beyond any form of recovery or salvage and must be crushed. This includes severe damage, such as fire or extensive impact. No parts can be removed or reused.
Category B Vehicles: Cat B vehicles are only suitable for parts. They’re not safe to put back on the road. At Evolve, we don’t sell Cat B vehicles. Instead, we recycle them safely at one of our Authorised Treatment Facilities.
Category S Vehicles: These vehicles have suffered structural damage, such as a bent chassis or crumple zone. They must be professionally repaired before returning to the road and are not safe to drive in their current condition.
Category N Vehicles: Cat N vehicles haven’t sustained structural damage, but they may have serious non-structural faults. This includes electrics, steering, brakes or cosmetic issues - so don’t assume they’re driveable.
Bid increments are predefined, fixed amounts by which the current bid must be raised.
Most, but not all, salvage vehicles have been in an accident. Damage levels vary, so make sure you always review the photos, description and any available reports before bidding.
We don’t currently offer delivery options for our salvage vehicles. Collection details can be found on the Winning Bid sales document. Please note, you may need an appointment to visit some of the collection sites. You can arrange your own recovery or use a recommended transport service after purchase.
We recommend researching the likely cost of repairs (including parts and labour) before bidding.
Fees apply to all our online salvage auction vehicles for sale. These are clearly listed in the lot description. You must pay all the fees associated with registering and winning an auction before you can collect your vehicle.
Repairing your salvage vehicle with Green Parts (recycled OEM parts) can save you money on the cost of repairs and reduce waste - often making salvage a more viable option. Check out our Green Parts shop to find matching parts for your vehicle.
A vehicle history check (like HPI) can reveal past write-offs, outstanding finance or mileage discrepancies. Worth doing before purchase.
Most auction vehicles are insurance write-offs, meaning the cost of repair outweighed the car’s market value at the time of the claim.
Not all of the salvage vehicles on our online salvage auction will start at the point of collection. Some vehicles may need a jump or battery replacement - standard for salvage stock that’s been standing for a while.
Not all of the salvage vehicles on our salvage auction come with keys, so always check the listing description carefully.
Some salvage vehicles will come with V5C logbook, others won’t. Again, check the listing - this affects how quickly you can register the vehicle.
A valid MOT doesn’t necessarily mean the vehicle is roadworthy post-accident. Treat MOT status as an additional data point, not a guarantee.
Cat N means no structural damage - just cosmetic or mechanical. These vehicles are usually cheaper and easier to repair.
All our salvage sales take place via a secure third-party platform. You can browse, bid and buy from anywhere.
Our online salvage auction operates a proxy bidding auction. This means that the highest bidder wins the item providing the auction reserve has been met.
Placing a proxy bid means that you are stating the maximum amount that you are willing to pay for the item. Your first bid will then be the amount required to outbid any current bid, and thereafter an automatic bid will be placed on your behalf up to the maximum amount you have stated increasing in the increments set out below according to the current bid value.
Got a question before you bid? Our customer service team is always happy to help. Get in touch today.
Some auctions have a reserve price - a minimum that the seller will accept. If bidding doesn’t reach this, the vehicle will be relisted for another auction.
All our salvage vehicles are sold as seen - what you see in the photos and description is what you’re bidding on. There are no warranties or guarantees, so always review listings carefully and bid responsibly.
Our auctions are open to both trade and private buyers.
Buying salvage comes with risks, especially if you’re not experienced. Always do your homework, price up the cost of repairs, and don’t bid more than you can afford to lose.
In-person viewings aren’t possible, so review photos and descriptions carefully. Ask questions if you’re unsure.
“Write-off” doesn’t always mean a car is beyond repair, it just means an insurer decided it wasn’t economically viable to repair it. Many are roadworthy again after work.
You don’t need superpowers when it comes to buying salvage online, just a careful eye. Look out for misaligned panels, missing parts, and warning lights in photos.
Once you win a bid, you’re committed. Make sure you’ve read and understand the T&Cs before participating in any of our online salvage auctions.
Buying salvage is a great way to reduce waste by giving a vehicle - or its parts - a second life. Good for the planet and your wallet.
