What does “written off” mean?
When a vehicle is badly damaged by a crash, hail, flood or fire, the insurer may decide it isn’t worth repairing and declare it a total loss. In Australia these vehicles are recorded on state written-off vehicle registers, and that information shows up in a PPSR search.
Repairable vs statutory write-off
| Repairable write-off | Statutory write-off | |
|---|---|---|
| Damage | Serious, but the vehicle can be safely repaired | So severe the vehicle must never return to the road |
| Can it be registered again? | Possibly, after repairs and an inspection, depending on state rules | No. It can only be used for parts or scrap |
| Effect on value | Usually sells for much less than a comparable car | Worth only its parts |
Rules for re-registering repairable write-offs differ between states and territories and have changed over time. If a vehicle is recorded as a repairable write-off, check the current rules with the road authority in your state before you commit. Our state-by-state guide links to each one.
Why a write-off matters to buyers
- Safety. Poor structural repairs can affect how the car protects you in a future crash.
- Price. A written-off history lowers resale value, so you should pay less.
- Insurance and finance. Some insurers and lenders treat written-off vehicles differently.
- Registration. A statutory write-off can’t be registered, whatever the seller says.
Warning sign: a late-model car at a surprisingly low price, with fresh paint or panels that don’t quite line up. Run a check before you go any further.
Hail and flood damage
Not every damaged vehicle is written off. Hail or flood damage that was repaired under an insurance claim won’t always appear as a write-off. Our Full Vehicle History Report adds insurance claim warnings that can flag this kind of past damage.