Car Write-Off Categories in Australia Explained (Statutory vs Repairable)
Not all write-offs are equal. A “repairable write-off” may be perfectly road-worthy, while a “statutory write-off” can never legally be re-registered. Here's what you need to know.
What is a Written-Off Vehicle?
A vehicle is declared a write-off by an insurance company when the cost of repairing it exceeds a certain percentage of its market value, or when the damage is too severe to be safely repaired. In Australia, written-off vehicles are recorded on the Written-Off Vehicle Register (WOVR).
The WOVR is a national database that records all vehicles written off by insurers across every Australian state and territory. This data is included in your PPSR check.
The Two Main Write-Off Categories in Australia
🚫 Statutory Write-Off
A statutory write-off is a vehicle with structural or safety damage so severe it cannot legally be repaired and re-registered for road use in Australia.
✗ Cannot be re-registered in any Australian state
✗ Can only be used for parts
✗ Must be de-registered permanently
✓ Parts can still be sold legally
Common causes: Severe flood damage, fire damage, structural frame damage, crush damage.
⚠️ Repairable Write-Off
A repairable write-off is a vehicle where repair costs exceeded the market value, but the damage can be structurally repaired to a roadworthy standard.
✓ Can potentially be re-registered after repair
✓ Must pass a re-registration inspection
⚠ Must be disclosed in all future sales
⚠ Permanently recorded on WOVR
Common causes: Hail damage, side-impact collision, front/rear collision where repair costs exceed value.
State-by-State Write-Off Rules
Australia's write-off rules vary slightly by state. Importantly, a vehicle that is a statutory write-off in one state cannot be re-registered in any other state — the WOVR is a national register.
| State | Statutory | Repairable |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | WOVR - Statutory | WOVR - Repairable |
| VIC | WOVR - Statutory | WOVR - Repairable |
| QLD | WOVR - Statutory | WOVR - Repairable |
| SA | WOVR - Statutory | WOVR - Repairable |
| WA | WOVR - Statutory | WOVR - Repairable |
Should You Buy a Repairable Write-Off?
Buying a repairable write-off can be a legitimate way to get a lower-priced vehicle, but it comes with significant considerations:
The write-off status must be disclosed and will always appear on PPSR checks, reducing resale value.
Some insurers refuse to cover repairable write-offs, or charge significantly higher premiums.
The quality of repairs can vary dramatically. Poor repairs may leave hidden structural weaknesses.
If professionally repaired and inspected, a repairable write-off can be roadworthy and safe.
Repairable write-offs typically sell for 20–40% below market value, reflecting the history.
How to Check a Car's Write-Off History
The quickest way to check if a car has been written off is through a PPSR check — which queries the national WOVR database as part of the report.
Enter the VIN or rego plate at CheckMyCars
Select the 5.99 PPSR report
Your report will show "Statutory Write-Off", "Repairable Write-Off", or "No Write-Off Found"
If a write-off is found, the report will show the category and date of write-off
Check Write-Off History Now
Instant WOVR write-off check included in every $5.99 PPSR report.
Check Write-Off Status — $5.99 →