From a person who works in car insurance (ie me):
Several things have changed. The ABI (Association of British Insurers) have spent the last couple of years reviewing the total loss salvage categories. This is in response to newer cars being more complex and harder for damaged vehicles to be safely repaired. The new categories have a greater focus on the condition of the vehicle rather than the repair costs.
From 1st Oct 2017 the following codes will be used instead (note this is UK based, I've no idea how it works in other countries):
Category A & B - No changes, see my above run down.
Category S (Structural) - The vehicle has sustained damage to any part of the structural frame or chassis which requires realignment to its original dimensions or replacement of these parts. Other costs associated with the repair would also significantly exceed the value of the vehicle. A minor, localised repair on a panel that been identified as structural would necessarily be considered realignment of a structural panel. The vehicle can return to the road if repaired.
Category N (Non Structural) - The vehicle has not sustained damage to the structural frame or chassis. While the damage to the vehicle has been noted as non-structural, there may still be some safety critical items that require replacement (EG steering and suspension parts) and other costs associated with the repair exceed the value of the vehicle. The vehicle
can return to the road if repaired.
Category S or N will not be determined by cost, both are uneconomical to repair, the category is in relation to the damage the vehicle has sustained.
That's the official announcement we received in my business.
From a general public point of view we would still only see the repairable cars back on the market (if not scrapped and stripped). It is still advisable to get the inspecting engineer's report (if possible) and all the paperwork regarding any subsequent repairs.