What a PPSR Report Actually Contains
A PPSR (Personal Property Securities Register) report is issued by the Australian Financial Security Authority (AFSA) — the federal government body that runs the national register. When you run a check through CheckMyCars, your report contains the official PPSR data plus additional vehicle details including ANCAP safety ratings, recall status, and full specifications.
Every PPSR report is structured around four key risk areas. We'll go through each one in detail below.
Section 1: Security Interests (Finance Owing)
🚨 What "Encumbered" Means
If the report shows security interests registered against the vehicle, this means there is an outstanding financial claim — typically a car loan, chattel mortgage, or novated lease. The lender has a legal right to repossess the vehicle even after you purchase it.
✅ What "No Security Interests Found" Means
This is the result you want. It means no finance company, bank, or creditor has registered a financial interest against the vehicle on the national PPSR database at the time of your search.
What to Do If Finance Is Found
- 1.Ask the seller to provide a discharge letter from their lender confirming the finance has been paid off.
- 2.Request the sale proceeds go directly to the lender to discharge the debt at settlement.
- 3.Walk away if the seller cannot provide satisfactory proof of discharge.
Important: Even if the seller says "I paid off the loan," the PPSR register may not have been updated yet. Always wait for official discharge documentation, not just the seller's word.
Section 2: Stolen Vehicle Status
The stolen vehicle check searches the national stolen vehicle database maintained by police agencies across all Australian states and territories.
🚨 Stolen Vehicle Recorded
The vehicle has been reported stolen. Do not purchase it. Contact police if you believe a crime is in progress.
✅ Not Reported Stolen
No stolen record found. Note: PPSR only shows reported stolen vehicles — an unreported theft will not appear.
What is Car Rebirthing?
Car rebirthing is when criminals take a stolen vehicle and replace its VIN plates with those from a legitimate written-off vehicle of the same make and model. A PPSR check reduces this risk by cross-referencing both the VIN and the registered owner details. Always verify the VIN stamped on the chassis matches what appears in the report.
Section 3: Write-Off History (WOVR)
The Written-Off Vehicle Register (WOVR) is a national database of vehicles that have been written off by insurance companies. PPSR reports include WOVR data. There are two types of write-offs:
Statutory Write-Off
The vehicle is so severely damaged it can never be re-registered. It can only be used for parts or scrap. If the PPSR shows a statutory write-off, the car cannot legally be driven on Australian roads — no matter what the seller tells you.
Repairable Write-Off
The vehicle was declared a write-off by the insurer (usually because repair costs exceeded the vehicle's value), but it has been or can be repaired and re-registered after passing an inspection. Rules vary by state — see our Write-Off Categories guide for state-by-state rules.
No Write-Off History
No insurance write-off was found on the national register. This is the result you want.
Important: PPSR only shows declared write-offs. A vehicle that was severely damaged but repaired privately, without an insurance claim, will not appear on PPSR. This is why a pre-purchase mechanical inspection is also essential.
Section 4: Vehicle Details & Specifications
Your CheckMyCars PPSR report includes full vehicle specifications beyond the core PPSR data:
VIN Confirmation
The exact 17-character VIN as registered on the PPSR. Always cross-check against the physical VIN on the car's dashboard and door frame.
Make, Model & Year
Confirms the vehicle's basic identity. Verify this matches the registration papers and what the seller told you.
ANCAP Safety Rating
Independent crash-test rating out of 5 stars. Critical for family buyers and those assessing older models.
Recall Status
Any outstanding manufacturer recalls from Product Safety Australia. An unfixed recall can be a safety risk and a negotiating point.
Colour & Body Type
Useful for cross-checking the vehicle matches the registered description — mismatches can indicate car rebirthing.
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine size, cylinder count, and drivetrain. Verify these match the seller's description and the car's physical features.
3-Step Action Plan After Reading Your PPSR Report
All Clear — Proceed with Caution
No security interests, not stolen, no write-off history. This is good — but still get a pre-purchase mechanical inspection. PPSR does not reveal service history, odometer tampering, or mechanical condition.
Finance Found — Negotiate & Verify
Ask for a finance payout letter. Either arrange for debt discharge at settlement, or walk away. Use it to negotiate a lower price to cover the hassle — but only proceed once finance is officially discharged.
Stolen or Statutory Write-Off — Walk Away
Do not purchase. A statutory write-off cannot be re-registered. A stolen vehicle will be seized. There are no exceptions to these rules regardless of what the seller claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "encumbered" mean on a PPSR report?
Encumbered means there is a registered financial interest on the vehicle — typically an unpaid car loan. The lender can repossess the car even after you buy it. Never purchase an encumbered vehicle without obtaining an official discharge of the security interest first.
Can a PPSR report be wrong?
The PPSR report is drawn directly from the Australian government's official database. However, there can be a lag between a loan being paid off and the lender updating (discharging) the register. Always request a formal discharge letter if finance is shown — even if the seller says it's been paid.
Does PPSR show if a car was in an accident?
PPSR shows write-offs that were declared to an insurer. It does not show minor accidents repaired privately, service history, or odometer readings. For a complete picture, combine your PPSR check with a mechanical inspection and a service history request.
How long is a PPSR result valid for?
A PPSR report reflects the register status at the exact time and date of the search. Run the search as close as possible to the purchase date — ideally the same day you sign contracts.
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