check if vehicle is written off

In Australia, the quickest way to check if a vehicle is written off is a PPSR search using the VIN—costs a few dollars and returns the national WOVR status, plus finance/stolen checks.

Grab the VIN from the car or rego papers, head to the government PPSR site, pay, and you’ll get a certificate showing statutory or repairable write‑off flags (if any).

You can also cross‑check via your state’s transport portal (e.g., NSW, QLD, SA) for service history and notes, but PPSR is the authoritative national record.

If anything smells off—VIN inconsistencies, missing airbag light, fresh paint on crash rails—walk away or get a pre‑purchase inspection before your wallet weeps.