What Does MIAFTR Stand For?
MIAFTR stands for the Motor Insurers Anti-Fraud and Theft Register. It's a database maintained by Insurance Ireland and is used by insurers across Ireland to record vehicles that have been written off, reported stolen, or otherwise flagged.
When an insurer settles a claim on a vehicle and writes it off — meaning the cost of repair exceeds the car's market value, or it's been stolen and not recovered — they record the vehicle on MIAFTR. This creates a permanent marker on the car's history.
The register is not publicly accessible, but it can be queried through authorised vehicle history providers including CarScan.ie.
MIAFTR Write-Off Categories Explained
Not all write-offs are equal. Ireland uses a classification system originally based on UK ABI categories, though with some variation. Here's what each category means:
Category A — Scrap Only
The most severe classification. The vehicle is so badly damaged that it must be crushed. No parts may be salvaged for use on another road vehicle. If you see a Category A marker, the car should never have been put back on the road — full stop.
Category B — Break for Parts
The bodyshell (the structural frame of the car) is too damaged to be repaired, but usable parts may be salvaged for other vehicles. The shell must be crushed. Like Category A, a Category B car should never return to public roads. Any car you encounter with this marker has been put back on the road illegally or via identity fraud.
Category C — Structural Damage (Repairable)
The car has structural damage and the repair cost exceeds its market value — but it can legally be repaired and returned to the road. A Category C vehicle must pass a VIC (Vehicle Identity Check) before re-registration. These can be legitimate purchases if repaired properly, but always get a full mechanical inspection.
Category D — Non-Structural Damage (Repairable)
Similar to Category C but with non-structural damage. Again, repair cost exceeds market value but the car is repairable. Less serious than C in terms of safety implications, but still a "written off" marker that will affect insurance, resale value, and financing options.
Category N — Non-Structural Damage (Newer Classification)
Introduced by UK insurers and now used in Ireland. Equivalent to the old Category D. The damage does not affect structural integrity. Includes cosmetic damage, electrical faults, or airbag deployment without significant body damage. The car is repairable and does not need a VIC inspection to return to the road (though practices vary by insurer).
Category S — Structural Damage (Newer Classification)
Equivalent to the old Category C. Structural damage has occurred — the chassis, body panels, or suspension may have been affected. The car must be professionally repaired and inspected before returning to the road. More serious than Category N.
Why a MIAFTR Hit Matters When Buying a Used Car
A write-off marker affects a car in several ways beyond the obvious safety concern:
- Insurance: Many insurers charge higher premiums for written-off vehicles. Some refuse to insure them entirely.
- Resale value: A car with a write-off marker will always be worth less than a comparable clean-history vehicle — no matter how good the repair.
- Finance: Banks and finance companies are less likely to lend against a written-off car, which limits your options if you ever want to sell it with finance or trade it in.
- Safety: For Category A, B, and S vehicles especially, the structural integrity may be compromised if repairs weren't done to the correct standard.
None of this means you should never buy a Cat N or Cat D car. Sometimes they represent excellent value — particularly if the damage was minor (a rear-end shunt, cosmetic damage). But you need to know upfront, and you should factor the write-off history into the price you're willing to pay.
Stolen Vehicle Records on MIAFTR
Beyond write-offs, MIAFTR also records vehicles that have been reported stolen by insurers. If a car was stolen and the insurer paid out on it, the vehicle is flagged. Even if it later turned up, it's still carrying that marker — and buying a stolen vehicle (even unknowingly) creates serious legal complications.
How CarScan.ie Checks MIAFTR
CarScan.ie queries MIAFTR as part of its paid vehicle history checks. Enter the registration number and you'll see any write-off or stolen markers attached to the vehicle, along with the category, the approximate date of the incident, and context to help you understand what it means.
The MIAFTR check is included in the Standard and Premium tiers, alongside finance checks, mileage verification, and ownership history.