What's Changing
On 8 October 2026 the committee decision on write-offs was to approve licensing Category N and Category S insurance write-offs, subject to safeguards. It has recommended the revised policy to Full Council, so it's a proposal for now.
Bury's current policy prohibits licensing any vehicle that has been recorded as an insurance write-off. The report says the change would give drivers access to a wider range of vehicles, at a time when the licensed taxi and private hire trade is under significant financial pressure.
This is a council licensing policy for taxis and private hire cars. It isn't a rule for ordinary private motorists. If you work in the trade, there's more on taxi and private hire insurance.
When It Starts And Who It Affects
Nothing has changed yet. Full Council is due to consider the revised policy on 11 November 2026. Until it's adopted, the current ban on recorded write-offs stays.
The policy covers taxi and private hire (hackney carriage) vehicles licensed by Bury, as set out in the council's report. The report describes Category S as a vehicle with structural damage that may be repaired and returned to service after satisfactory repairs and inspection.
If you want the difference between the two, here's how the write-off categories work.
Where Bury's Write-Off Proposal Stands
From the council's committee decision and report.
- 8 October 2026
Committee Approves
The Licensing and Safety Committee approves permitting Category N and S write-offs, subject to safeguards.
- 11 November 2026
Full Council
Full Council is due to consider the revised policy, which the committee recommended for adoption.
- If adopted
Safeguards Apply
An independent engineer's report is needed, officers may require an Autolign inspection, and there is no automatic right to a licence.
From Bury Council's committee decision and report, checked 10 November 2026. A proposal, not yet adopted.
What It Means For Your Taxi Insurance
The report doesn't say what this means for insurance. It mentions insurance only as where the write-off categories come from, and as a general cost for the trade. So there's no verified answer on prices, or on what an insurer would want to know.
If you're thinking of buying a repaired write-off for taxi or private hire work, ask your insurer before you buy. Ask whether they'd cover it and what evidence they'd want to see.
The proposed safeguards are:
- An independent report from a member or associate member of the Institute of Automotive Engineer Assessors.
- A further Autolign inspection, which officers may require if the engineer flags wheel alignment, chassis, suspension or repair-quality concerns.
Even with a report, there's no automatic right to a licence. The council keeps its discretion to refuse. Drivers who work on the private hire side can read more about cover for private hire drivers.
What To Do Now
- Treat it as a proposal. Nothing is final until Full Council decides.
- Ask your insurer first. Do this before you buy a repaired write-off for licensed work.
- Ask for the engineer's report. Get it and any repair evidence from the seller before you commit.
- Run a vehicle check. A vehicle history check can show what's recorded against a car.
You can compare taxi insurance quotes when you're ready.
FAQs
Is Bury Already Licensing Category N And S Write-Offs As Taxis?
No. The committee approved the change on 8 October 2026 and recommended it to Full Council, which is due to consider it on 11 November 2026. Until it's adopted, the current policy prohibits any recorded write-off.
Does This Apply To Private Cars?
No. It's a taxi and private hire vehicle licensing policy, not a rule for ordinary private motorists. It only affects vehicles licensed by Bury for taxi or private hire work, and the current ban stays until Full Council decides.
Will Taxi Insurance Change Because Of This?
The report doesn't say. It sets out no insurance effect, so ask your insurer before you buy a repaired write-off for taxi or private hire work.
