Comprehensive WOVI Check

WOVI itself stands for Written-Off Vehicle Inspection and isn’t a history report or register in and of itself. It is the official inspection process that’s required for repairable write-offs seeking re-registration. It includes a structural integrity assessment to confirm that the performed repairs meet necessary safety standards in order for the vehicle to be deemed roadworthy, re-registered, and returned to the road.

When a vehicle passes a WOVI, this information is entered by the respective state road authority and this status is reflected in the Written-Off Vehicle Register (WOVR). As data from the WOVR is included in PPSR certificates and vehicle history reports, a vehicle passing a WOVI and being deemed roadworthy can help prospective buyers understand that the vehicle was previously written off and then repaired in a manner that’s led to it being deemed safe for roads once more.

Confirming that a vehicle passed a WOVI and has been re-registered for road use is an important factor when considering the purchase of a used vehicle. As part of our vehicle history reports, relevant data from the Written-Off Vehicle Register is included in the report, including if the vehicle you’re considering was previously written-off, repaired, and then re-registered due to passing a WOVI.

When a written-off vehicle undergoes repairs with the aim of passing an inspection and being deemed roadworthy again, information such as safety faults and recall history are not part of this process. It is simply an inspection process, not a historical record of prior recalls or safety issues.

However, while a general WOVI or WOVR check won’t provide this information, MotorRegistry’s Comprehensive Vehicle History Report does assess the vehicle’s full recall history and lists common model-specific issues that could impact the vehicle you’re considering. 

Over the coming months, into 2026, we’ll also be integrating data that covers considerations such as:

• Maintenance history: this includes verified service, repair and warranty records; and will also cover details such as reported issues, work performed, the cost to the consumer, replaced vehicle parts, and any applicable technician/mechanic notes.

• Damage/insurance claims and quote history: this includes information on prior insurance claims, repair quotes, and incident records.

• Odometer history: an even more comprehensive history of verified odometer readings through inspect and repair data from certified mechanics, specialists, and annual safety checks.

When it comes to repairable written-off vehicles being inspected for re-registration, the information can only be updated as the inspection occurs. If the vehicle passes the inspection, this status will be updated by the relevant state or territory road authority - the update itself usually propagates immediately once the inspection outcome is processed. At most, it tends to update within 24 hours of the outcome being reported.

These results flow into the WOVR, which is updated continually as new write-off information is introduced into the register.

As noted, information regarding a vehicle passing a WOVI is included in a general PPSR check via data from the Written-Off Vehicle Register. For companies that provide vehicle history reports, they often only include basic information pertaining to a vehicle’s written-off status that was included in the PPSR certificate. Other information they may include, all of which is covered through a basic PPSR check, is:

• Finance owing on the vehicle

• Checking if the vehicle was ever reported stolen

• Verifying the vehicle identity

At MotorRegistry, our focus is on providing buyers with a more comprehensive report of the vehicle. Along with the data obtained through a PPSR certificate, we also cover:

• Registration details

• Common, model-specific issues to look for, including clear guidance on how to identify these issues (e.g. checking internals, externals, drive train, electrics, mechanical and engine areas)

• Service/maintenance history

• Damage/insurance claims and quote history

• Recall history and status check

• Engine number and odometer assessment (as well as a full odometer history, where possible)

• Market valuation estimate

• Theft risk rating

• Free pre-purchase inspection guide

When it comes to having a comprehensive understanding of a used vehicle’s history and potential risks, we give you everything you need in one complete report.