Vehicles damaged by hail storms

If your vehicle has only sustained cosmetic hail damage, based on the damage codes recorded on the Written-off Vehicles Register (WOVR), it is exempt from the usual requirement to get a Vehicle Identity Validation (VIV) certificate and Certificate of Roadworthiness (RWC). It is your obligation to ensure that the vehicle remains in a roadworthy condition. The vehicle's registration will not be cancelled, however the vehicle will be recorded on the WOVR and remain on the WOVR as an inspected repairable write-off. The cosmetic damage caused by the impact of hail stones does not have to be repaired if it does not impact a vehicle’s safety or structural integrity.

If a vehicle has only sustained cosmetic hail damage, based on the damage codes recorded on the Written-off Vehicles Register (WOVR), and you are keeping the vehicle, as the registered operator, you are responsible for maintaining the vehicle in a roadworthy and safe condition. There is no road safety risk associated with a vehicle’s appearance following cosmetic hail damage.

If a vehicle has sustained hail damage plus other damage (for example water or other accident damage), based on the damage codes recorded on WOVR, you will need a VIV certificate to ensure that the vehicle remains compliant with standards for registration and is safe for use on the road. Visit the Vehicle Identity Validation inspection page for further details.

In this instance, cosmetic damage comprises minor indentations (dents) to panels arising from the direct impact of the hailstones which do not affect the structural integrity of the damaged area and will not affect the operation of any of the vehicle’s systems. In particular the damage must not affect the operation of occupant protection systems or the safe operation of the vehicle.

Registration requirements are dependent on the type of damage recorded on the WOVR.

Exempted vehicles that have only sustained cosmetic hail damage, based on the damage codes recorded on the Written-off Vehicles Register (WOVR), do not require a VIV certificate. In addition, you will not have to repair any cosmetic damage caused by the direct impact of hail stones provided it does not compromise a vehicle’s safety systems or structural integrity. A current and original Certificate of Roadworthiness (RWC) will be required to register the vehicle.

If a vehicle has sustained hail damage plus other damage (for example water or accident damage), based on the damage codes recorded on the Written-off Vehicles Register (WOVR), a VIV certificate and RWC must be provided for the vehicle to be registered. However, you will not have to repair any cosmetic damage caused by the direct impact of hail stones provided it does not compromise a vehicle’s safety systems or structural integrity.

Registration requirements are dependent on the type of damage recorded on the Victorian WOVR. If the vehicle is entered on another jurisdiction’s WOVR, there are no exemptions in place for interstate vehicles. Accordingly you must have a VIV certificate and Certificate of Roadworthiness in order for the vehicle to be considered eligible for registration. Further, the damage which was the reason for the vehicle being entered on the WOVR must be repaired, restored or replaced.

If you were the registered operator (or the spouse of the registered operator) when the written-off assessment was made, and you believe the vehicle has been incorrectly assessed as a repairable write-off, you may request an internal review of the decision to record the vehicle on the WOVR.

To request an internal review of the decision to record the hail damaged vehicle on the Victorian WOVR, please write to The Director, Registration and Licensing Practice and Standards, 60 Denmark St Kew 3101 with the reasons for the appeal.

If you bought the vehicle after it was entered on the WOVR, you do not have a right to an internal review. It is the responsibility of a purchaser to ensure the appropriate checks are made before buying a vehicle.

A VIV inspection is required if the vehicle has been assessed by an insurance company as a repairable write-off. A vehicle can be written-off for a variety of reasons and circumstances. A vehicle may be purchased second hand that has been re-birthed during its history, or had previous damage that has not been repaired properly. The WOVR and VIV inspection are designed to deter vehicle theft. A VIV inspection is required to re-verify the vehicle’s identity and confirm that the damage which caused the vehicle to be on the WOVR has been repaired to manufacturer’s standards.

The vehicle will be recorded on an interstate WOVR and be subject to the requirements of the state in which the vehicle is registered. E.g. if the vehicle is registered in Queensland, you will need to contact the Department of Transport and Main Roads in QLD to find out what requirements apply.

A hailstorm is a natural event, is generally widespread and cannot be controlled. Other types of cosmetic damage, such as malicious damage to paintwork occurs through the actions of others and accordingly individuals could potentially manipulate a broader exemption policy to their own benefit.