write-off meaning car Page 8603

In Australia, a car “write-off” means the insurer or authority has decided the damage or loss makes repair uneconomical or unsafe, so it lands on the national Written-Off Vehicle Register (WOVR).

There are two flavours: a Statutory Write-Off (too damaged or unsafe to ever be registered again) and a Repairable Write-Off (can be fixed and re-registered after identity/safety inspections such as a VIV, with plenty of paperwork).

Write-offs usually wear higher insurance premiums, prickly finance, and dented resale—great for bargain hunters, less great for vanity.

If you’re buying, run a PPSR check on the VIN, demand proof of professional repairs and inspections, and price in the risk; if selling, be realistic and bring documents.