If you are buying or selling a car in Queensland that has been written off, or just want to understand what the terms mean, this guide is for you. We’ll walk you through what the Written‑Off Vehicle Register (WOVR) means in Queensland, what a Written‑Off Vehicle Inspection (WOVI) is, why you might need one, and how you can check a vehicle’s status. The aim is to give you a clear, simple explanation so you feel confident and informed.
What Is the WOVR in Queensland?
The Register and Its Purpose
In Queensland, when a vehicle has been assessed and declared a write‑off, it is recorded on the WOVR. The write‑off status can result from an insurance company deeming the car too expensive to repair or unsafe to drive. Once listed on the WOVR, the vehicle’s future registration, sale and use can be affected.
The register is a national initiative, but each state, including Queensland, manages how vehicles on the register are treated.
Two Main Types of Write‑Offs
There are two broad categories of write‑off status that you should know:
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A repairable write‑off is a vehicle that was written off because repairing it would cost more than its value, but it still can be repaired and re‑registered under certain conditions.
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A statutory write‑off (sometimes called non‑repairable) is a vehicle that was deemed unsafe or too badly damaged to ever be re‑registered on the road. In that case, the vehicle may only be used for parts or scrap.
Knowing which category your vehicle falls into is important when deciding how to proceed, whether you are buying or selling.
How WOVR Affects You
If you are looking to purchase a used car in Queensland, checking the WOVR can protect you from unexpected problems. If the car is listed as a write‑off, especially a statutory one, you may find you cannot insure it normally or you may struggle to register it. If you already own a vehicle and it has been written off, the WOVR status tells you what your options are for re‑registration, sale or disposal.
What Is WOVI in Queensland?
The Inspection Process
If a vehicle in Queensland is a repairable write‑off and you wish to get it back on the road, it must undergo two inspections: a normal safety certificate inspection and a WOVI inspection. The WOVI is the check that verifies the vehicle’s identity, confirms that the repairs are legitimate and that the vehicle meets necessary standards.
During the WOVI the inspector will check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), the parts used in the repairs, the repair history, and other key details to ensure the vehicle has not been re‑birthed (i.e., a stolen car given a new identity).
Booking and Costs
To book a WOVI, you go through the approved inspection provider in Queensland. You must provide your Customer Reference Number, vehicle details, and proof of ownership. There is a fee for the inspection. Until the inspection is passed, the vehicle can remain on the WOVR and cannot be re‑registered for road use.
After the WOVI
Once the vehicle passes the WOVI and the safety certificate inspection, it can be re‑registered. However, its write‑off history remains on the register, which may affect resale value. If the vehicle is a statutory write‑off, you cannot do a WOVI to make it roadworthy – it cannot be re‑registered.
Why Are WOVR and WOVI Important for Buyers and Sellers?
For Buyers
When you are buying a used vehicle, it is vital to know if it has been written off. If you buy a vehicle listed on the WOVR and it is a statutory write‑off, you run the risk of buying something that cannot be legally registered. Even for repairable write‑offs, you should check whether the vehicle has passed a WOVI and been properly repaired. Failing to do so may mean you pay too much, or face problems with insurance or resale later.
For Sellers
If you are selling a vehicle that is listed on the WOVR, you must be completely upfront about that status. If the vehicle is simply a repairable write‑off that has passed all required inspections, you should explain that in the listing. If it is a statutory write‑off you need to disclose that it cannot be re-registered and likely is only suited for parts or scrap. Transparent communication builds trust and helps avoid legal issues.
How to Do a WOVI Check and Understand the Vehicle’s Status
Step-by‑Step: Checking the Vehicle
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Find the vehicle’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) or chassis number. This is usually located on the dashboard, door frame or registration papers.
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Use a service that offers a WOVR check for Queensland. You enter the VIN or chassis number and select Queensland. The report will reveal whether the vehicle is listed as a write‑off, and what type.
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If you see “repairable write‑off” you then check if a WOVI has been passed and when. If the report shows “statutory write‑off”, then you know this vehicle cannot be registered for road use in Queensland.
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If repairs have been done and a WOVI passed, ask the seller for documentation, receipts and proof of inspection. This helps you confirm that everything is above board.
What to Look Out For
When you review a WOVR/WOVI check:
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Confirm the exact write‑off category.
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Check the date the vehicle was written off and if repairs were made subsequently.
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Ask for evidence of inspection if the vehicle was a repairable write‑off.
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Be cautious if the vehicle has heavy structural damage or flood/fire damage, even if a WOVI has been passed.
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Consider how the history affects its value. Vehicles with write‑off history are usually worth less than similar vehicles with clean records.
Common Questions and Answers
Can a written‑off vehicle be insured?
Yes, but it depends. For repairable write‑offs that have been repaired and passed all inspections, some insurers may offer limited cover. For statutory write‑offs, insurance options may be very limited or non‑existent. Always check with an insurer and be honest about the vehicle’s history.
If a vehicle passed the WOVI, is it like any other car?
Once a vehicle has passed both the WOVI and a safety certificate, it can be re‑registered and used on the road in Queensland. But it still retains its write‑off history. That means future buyers may pay less for it, and it may be harder to sell. It also may carry a risk if repairs were not done appropriately.
What happens if I sell a vehicle on the WOVR?
If you sell a vehicle listed on the WOVR, you must disclose the write‑off status. If it is a repairable write‑off and not yet inspected, you should make that clear. If it is a statutory write‑off, you must disclose that it cannot be re‑registered and is only suitable for parts or scrap. Keeping documents of ownership, repair history, inspection reports will help too.
How much does a WOVI cost and how long does it take?
The cost varies by inspection provider and by vehicle type. The inspection itself can take around an hour, but the process of booking, preparing documentation and waiting for results may take longer. It is wise to allow additional time and budget for any follow‑up work or repairs required to meet the inspection standards.
Tips for Dealing With a WOVR Vehicle
If you are buying or selling a written‑off vehicle in Queensland, here are a few tips that may save you trouble later:
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Always check the vehicle’s write‑off status using the WOVR before committing to buy.
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If you are buying a repairable write‑off, make sure you check whether the WOVI has been passed and get proof.
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When selling a write‑off, be clear in your description and provide as much supporting documentation as you can.
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Consider the resale value: even if a vehicle has been repaired and re‑registered, its write‑off history may reduce its future sale price.
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If you are unsure about the seriousness of damage (for example flood or structural damage), consider getting an independent inspection before you proceed.
Final Thoughts
Understanding WOVR and WOVI in Queensland is key if you are buying or selling a vehicle with a write‑off history. The register exists to protect buyers and ensure transparency about vehicle condition and history. The inspection process ensures that vehicles listed as repairable write‑offs meet certain safety and identity standards before being re‑registered.
By checking a vehicle’s status carefully, asking the right questions and keeping clear documentation, you can reduce your risk and make more informed choices. Whether you are looking to pick up a bargain or are selling a write‑off yourself, understanding the rules and following the steps will give you confidence.
If you like, I can look up current fees for WOVI inspections in Queensland and provide a checklist of what documents you’ll need for booking. Would you like me to do that?
