The WOVR includes three types of write-offs:
- repairable write-offs (RWO)
- inspected write-offs (IWO)
- statutory write-offs (SWO)
Repairable write-offs
Repairable write-offs are vehicles that can be repaired, but the cost of repairs would probably be more than the vehicle's worth.
A vehicle’s registration will be cancelled when it’s added to the WOVR as a repairable write-off. If that happens to a vehicle in your name, we’ll send you a letter that details what you need to do, and the requirements to get the vehicle back on the road.
To get a repairable write-off back on the road, you need to repair the vehicle in accordance with the manufacturer’s standards, then get a Victorian VIV certificate and a roadworthy certificate.
See repairing a written-off vehicle for more information.
Inspected repairable write-offs
An inspected write-off is a vehicle that used to be a repairable-write off, but has since been repaired and re-registered successfully.
A hail-damaged vehicle might also be recorded on the WOVR as an inspected write-off, even though the damage may not be repaired, see hail damaged vehicles.
Sometimes, an interstate inspected write-off needs a VIV inspection before it can be registered in Victoria.
Statutory write-offs
A statutory write-off is a vehicle that's been damaged so severely that it should not be repaired.
These vehicles can’t be re-registered anywhere in Australia, but certain parts may be used to repair other vehicles.
What counts as a statutory write-off?
A light motor vehicle is considered a statutory write-off if any of the below apply to it:
A motorcycle is considered a statutory write-off if any of the below apply to it:
What to do with statutory write-offs
Any vehicle that's a statutory write-off (is so badly damaged that it can never be re-registered) needs to be attached with a label that warns potential buyers of the vehicle’s state.
The label needs to clearly state that the vehicle's a statutory write-off. It needs to be white with black writing, and letters at least 9mm high. We recommend that the label be at least 230 x 170mm.