An explanation of the categories of a vehicle write off are listed below:

Category AA vehicle which should have been totally crushed, including all its spare parts.
Category BA vehicle from which spare parts may be salvaged, but the bodyshell should have been crushed and the car should never return to the road.
Category CAn extensively damaged vehicle which the insurer has decided not to repair, but which could be repaired and returned to the road.
Category DA damaged vehicle which the insurer has decided not to repair, but which could be repaired and returned to the road.
Category FA vehicle damaged by fire, which the insurer has decided not to repair.

Theft – These vehicles have not been recovered and ownership rests with the insurer who made the total loss payment. They are able to repossess the car as soon as it is identified, even if it has been bought innocently.

Vehicles categorised as A, B or C require a VIC test before the DVLA will issue a new registration document. This will then be noted on the V5C.

Notes

VIC – Vehicle Indenty Check

DVLA – Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency

V5C – New Vehicle Registration Certificate