You found a car at a bargain price, but its history shows it is a repaired write-off vehicle.
While that discount is tempting, its WOVR status creates hurdles for registration, insurance, and finance.
Buying one requires some additional due diligence, but is not something to shy away from if you are thorough.
This guide provides a step-by-step checklist to avoid expensive surprises before you sign the contract of sale.
Dealership vs Private Sale of a WOVR Vehicle
It is worth noting upfront that these tips are most applicable to dealing with a private seller.
A licensed and reputable dealership will only sell the vehicle if all of the checks listed below have been completed.
They are on the hook for statutory warranty costs and have a reputation to protect.
So, it is in their best interest to be thorough prior to the sale.
We, at Gusto Auto, have sold WOVR listed vehicles in the past, and only listed it for sale when it was in immaculate condition.
Statutory vs. Repairable: Know The Difference
The Written Off Vehicle Register (WOVR) has two categories, and the difference is critical.
- A statutory write-off is permanent. It can never be legally re-registered in Australia and is only suitable for scrap or parts.
- A repairable write-off can be fixed and returned to the road, but only after passing strict state-based inspections.
These are often economic decisions, where an insurer decides the repair cost plus salvage value is more than the car’s market value.
This is the only category you should consider. If a seller cannot show clear evidence of compliant re-registration, walk away.
Check Your State’s Registration Rules First
The vehicle’s current location is irrelevant. Your only concern should be the state where you plan to register it.
Every state has its own rules for repaired write-offs, and they vary significantly.
Victoria, for example, requires a comprehensive Vehicle Identity Validation (VIV) inspection.
New South Wales is even stricter, with tight restrictions on accepting repaired write-offs that were processed interstate.
Confirming your state’s exact compliance requirements before you negotiate is non-negotiable.
This step ensures the vehicle has a clear, achievable registration path, preventing you from buying a car you can’t legally drive.
Run an Official PPSR Search and Verify the VIN
Your most important safeguard is a cheap PPSR search.
For just a few dollars you can confirm if finance is still owing on the vehicle (an encumbrance) and its write-off history from the WOVR.
With the report in hand, physically inspect the car. Locate the VIN plate or stamp and ensure it matches your PPSR certificate and paperwork exactly.
A mismatch is an instant deal-breaker, as it can indicate a stolen or rebirthed vehicle.
If a seller hesitates to provide the VIN before an inspection, walk away.
Verify the Repairs with a Paper Trail and Your Own Expert
A low price is meaningless without proof of quality repairs.
Vague stories like “a mate fixed it” or missing paperwork are major red flags.
Request a Paper Trail
Insist on seeing documentation from the seller, including:
- Repair invoices with ABNs and receipts for all new parts.
- Official inspection certificates used for re-registration.
- A repair diary with photos, if available.
Book an Independent Inspection
Always use your own mechanic, not the seller’s.
Ask them to focus on:
- Chassis alignment and signs of poor structural repair.
- Any electrical faults, which are common after major damage.
Pricing in the Risk: How to Calculate Your Offer
The WOVR flag is a permanent value limitation.
A repaired write-off vehicle should trade for 25-40% less than its clean market value.
This discount is non-negotiable and accounts for a smaller buyer pool, harder financing and insurance, and permanently damaged resale value.
To calculate your maximum offer, start with the vehicle’s standard market price.
First, apply the write-off discount. Then, subtract costs for your inspection and any state compliance fees.
Only proceed if the final price creates a significant enough saving to justify the risk.
Get Your Insurance and Finance Approved First
A cheap write-off is only a good deal if you can insure and finance it.
You must disclose the vehicle’s history to insurers and get written confirmation of cover before committing.
Some mainstream lenders reject repaired write-offs as loan security, making lender approval a critical first step.
If mainstream banks decline the car, a specialist broker can assess non-bank options.
Click the button below for an obligation free assessment of your finance options through our sister brokerage, Gusto Finance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I legally drive a repaired write-off?
Yes, but only if it was a ‘repairable write-off’ and has passed all required state inspections for re-registration. A statutory write-off can never be legally driven on Australian roads. Always verify its official re-registration status before buying.
Will banks finance a WOVR-listed vehicle?
Most mainstream banks will not use a repaired write-off as security for a car loan. Specialist or non-bank lenders may consider it, but often with stricter conditions. It is essential to secure finance pre-approval before you commit to buying the car.
Can I get comprehensive insurance on a repaired write-off?
Some insurers offer comprehensive cover, but many refuse. You must disclose the vehicle’s WOVR history when getting a quote. Failure to disclose can void your insurance claim in an accident.
How much cheaper should a repaired write-off be?
A repaired write-off should be priced 25-40% below the market value of a car with a clean history. This significant discount compensates for the permanently reduced resale value of the vehicle.
Does the WOVR listing ever disappear from a car’s history?
No, a write-off listing is permanent and tied to the vehicle’s VIN for life. It will always appear on an official PPSR search.
Is a Repaired Write-Off Worth the Risk?
A repaired write-off is only worth it when its paperwork, compliance path, and discount offset the permanent stigma and resale risk.
You must verify its category, PPSR status, and repair quality before securing final approvals.
Whether you are a prime or credit-challenged borrower, speak with your broker early.
Confirming the vehicle is lendable before you pay a deposit is a simple check that prevents costly mistakes and wasted time.
