Written-off vehicles

About written-off vehicles

Written-off vehicles are recorded on the Written-Off Vehicles Register to make sure they're repaired well, and are safe enough to be on the road.

A vehicle is 'written-off' if the cost to repair it would be more than the value of the vehicle. A vehicle can also be written-off if it's so badly damaged that it wouldn't be safe to drive.

A vehicle that is deemed to be written-off is required to be recorded on the Written-Off Vehicles Register (WOVR). 

In Victoria, the WOVR includes any light vehicles (up to and including 4.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass, or GVM) and motorcycles that are less than 15 years old, which have been assessed as a write-off.

View information for people considering buying a written-off vehicle. 

Different types of write-offs

The WOVR includes three types of write-offs: 

  • repairable write-offs (RWO)
  • inspected write-offs (IWO)
  • statutory write-offs (SWO)

 

Adding a vehicle to the WOVR

Legally, an insurer, self-insurer, car recycler/wrecker, or licensed car dealer needs to report any written-off vehicle to the WOVR. 

WOVR reporting requirements 

PartyAction require
Insurers and self-insurersIf a vehicle is written-off, the insurer must tell VicRoads before the vehicle is disposed of, or within seven days from when it's assessed.
Auto parts recycler/ Motor wreckers

A parts recycler/motor wrecker must record any vehicle that's demolished or dismantled on the WOVR.

They also have to report before disposing of a vehicle, within seven days from when they started demolishing/dismantling the vehicle.

This is only required if the vehicle isn't already recorded on the WOVR.

Licensed Motor Car Traders (LMCTs)

An LMCT is required to report a vehicle to the WOVR  within seven days of acquiring it, and before disposing of it. This applies to any vehicles in the LMCT's care, custody or control.

This is only required if the vehicle hasn't already been reported to the WOVR by an insurer or self-insurer.

How to record a vehicle on the WOVR 

Insurers, self-insurers and auction houses can add vehicles to the WOVR online. 

LMCTs and motor wreckers/parts recyclers should use a written-off vehicle notification form (PDF 118 Kb). 

Motor wreckers can use a bulk notification form (PDF 55 Kb) if preferred. Email your forms to [email protected] or mail them:
Vehicle Safety Partners and Standards
GPO Box 2392
Melbourne VIC 3001