global auto imports
ABI categories – what is it?
ABI categories is a term that potential buyers of cars from England may have come across while browsing through used car sales offers. What are these categories and what do they mean? It is worth finding out so as not to make a fatal mistake when buying a car.
- What are ABI categories?
- What do the different categories mean?
- What to look for when buying an accident car from England?
Related topics you may be interested in:
- What is SORN and when do you need it?
- What is V5C and what does it look like?
- Insurance of an “Englishman” in Poland
What are ABI categories?
ABI stands for Association of British Insurers, which is the UK’s leading trade association that established insurance companies. It was the insurance companies that introduced the categorisation of accident vehicles, which relates to the degree of their damage.
The vehicle’s belonging to the selected ABI category determines whether the car can be registered and how it will be insured.
What do the different categories mean?
The following table explains the individual designations:
Category: AND
Development:
‘scrap’
Description:
Cars that have been completely destroyed, with the impossibility of repair. The only value in their case is the possible recovery of spare parts. Destined for scrap.
Possibility of registration in Poland:
NO
Category: B
Development:
‘break’
Description:
Accident cars damaged beyond repair, but with the possibility of obtaining spare parts.
Possibility of registration in Poland:
NO
Category: S
Development:
‘structural’
Description:
Cars with frame damage, but still with the possibility of repair and further use.
Possibility of registration in Poland:
YES
Category: N
Development:
‘non-structural’
Description:
Previous category D – accident cars, the structure of which was not damaged.
Possibility of registration in Poland:
YES
What to look for when buying an accident car from England?
Knowing the ABI category is essential if you are looking for a used or salvage car. Be especially vigilant about these vehicles and gather as much information as possible:
- vehicle history
- accident photos
- detailed description of accident damage
- access to the documentation of the insurance company
- what parts were replaced as part of the repair after the accident
- where the repairs were made – is there documentation that confirms the list of work performed?
If the car is to be used after purchase, it is a good idea to hire an inspector on site who will confirm the declared technical condition of the vehicle. Admittedly, this is an additional cost, but in the case of very attractive offers it always pays off.
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