WRITTEN-OFF VEHICLE REGISTER
The written-off vehicle register (referred to as WOVR) is a centralised system that records the details of any written-off vehicle in Australia. A vehicle is written off when the cost to repair is likely to be more than its value, or the vehicle is so badly damaged that it would not be safe or roadworthy.
WHAT IS IT?
WHY IS A VEHICLE WRITTEN-OFF?
A vehicle might be written off through an accident, a natural disaster (such as flood, fire or hail), or damage caused when it is stolen or vandalised.
The written-off vehicle register records the reason why the vehicle was written-off, under these categories:
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Collision
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Storm
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Flood
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Fire
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF WRITTEN-OFF VEHICLES?
Three different types of written-off vehicles indicate the severity of the damage and whether the vehicle can be driven on the road again.
Repairable write-off
Repairable write-offs are vehicles that can be repaired, but the cost of repairs would probably be more than the vehicle’s worth. To get a repairable write-off back on the road, you need to repair the vehicle in accordance with the manufacturer’s standards, and go through the relevant re-registration process of the jurisdiction the vehicle is in.
Inspected repairable write-off
An inspected repairable write-off is a vehicle that used to be a repairable-write off, but has since been repaired and re-registered successfully.
Statutory write-off
A statutory write-off is a vehicle that’s been damaged so severely that it should not be repaired. These vehicles can’t be re-registered anywhere in Australia, but certain parts may be used to repair other vehicles.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
A vehicle’s write-off history can impact its value and ability to be legally driven on Australian roads, and indicates its potential condition. Whether you are looking to trade in a vehicle, provide insurance cover or financial lending, it’s important to check that it has not been previously written-off. Written-off vehicles are also often used in fraudulent insurance claims.
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