Comprehensive WOVR Check

WOVR stands for Written-Off Vehicle Register, which is a national Australian database that lists vehicles that have been written-off at any point in time. The written-off status of a vehicle is typically reported to the WOVR by insurers, vehicle recycling/wrecker companies, or licensed vehicle traders. This database is typically accessed as part of vehicle history checks, particularly with PPSR checks.

The WOVR database details three particular types of vehicle write-offs, which are as follows:

• Repairable write-offs (RWO): This refers to written-off vehicles that could be repaired, but the cost of repairs would likely exceed the current value of the vehicle.

• Inspected write-offs (IWO): This refers to vehicles that were previously declared as a repairable write-off and have since been repaired and re-registered successfully.

• Statutory write-offs (SWO): This type of write-off refers to vehicles that have been so severely damaged that they should not be repaired and cannot be re-registered. Some of their parts may be usable for repairing other vehicles.

This information provides potential buyers with essential context as to the severity of a write-off and whether the investment in repairs or purchasing a repaired write-off is worth it.

At MotorRegistry, our aim is to provide consumers with the most complete vehicle history information possible. As such, we collate data from a range of reputable sources, including the Australian government’s PPSR, the National Exchange of Vehicle and Driver Information System (NEVDIS), and WOVR database, among others, to give you a comprehensive breakdown of a vehicle’s status.

With our Comprehensive Vehicle History Reports, not only will you be informed of any previous or current write-offs pertaining to a vehicle, but you’ll also be provided with the context of what that status means and the potential issues that could present. 

For example, if a vehicle was previously written off, then repaired and re-registered, this could impact the options available to you in terms of insuring the vehicle and being able to sell it again down the line - and these are key considerations when making a notable investment in any vehicle.

No matter the Australian state or territory you live in, MotorRegistry’s Vehicle History Report accesses information from the WOVR database to confirm a vehicle’s written-off status. Wherever you live - whether it’s QLD, SA, Victoria or any other state/territory - if a vehicle you’re considering has been officially written off in the past, you’ll have access to those details.

The cost of checking the written-off status of a vehicle, as detailed in the WOVR database, is included in the pricing of our Vehicle History Report. Whether you purchase a Basic, Comprehensive, or Comprehensive Plus Vehicle History Report, you will be provided with details pertaining to any written-off status, though you’ll receive a more detailed breakdown within our Comprehensive Report.

Our Basic Vehicle History Report currently costs $24.95, and our Comprehensive Vehicle History Report currently costs $39.95.

No, information related to unpaid fines or demerit history are not accounted for within the WOVR database. However, relevant financial information (such as any money owing/security interest) is accounted for in MotorRegistry’s Vehicle History Reports.

It’s important to note that factors such as unpaid fines or demerit point history only applies to a driver, not the vehicle itself. So if a previous owner had incurred any demerit points or fines, these will not impact you if you choose to purchase the vehicle.

It is a legal requirement for a vehicle’s written-off status to be recorded to databases such as the WOVR. Similar requirements apply if a previously written-off vehicle is repaired and re-registered for road use or sale. 

This means that, if a vehicle is declared a write-off (whether by an insurance company, vehicle recycler/wrecker, licensed vehicle trader, etc.), it will be noted in the WOVR. In practice, any data provided through a WOVR check will be as up-to-date as possible.

Once a vehicle has been entered into the WOVR database, the written-off status will only be rescinded if the insurer or authorised party agrees their initial assessment was incorrect. In order for this to happen, an official dispute typically has to be lodged with the respective state or territory’s roads department. If the written-off status is incorrect, the vehicle’s listing on the WOVR will be removed. Otherwise, all write-offs, including vehicles that have since been repaired and deemed roadworthy, will still have a noted write-off status in the database.

When purchasing a used vehicle, knowing that the vehicle is roadworthy and free of unforeseen issues is essential. A WOVR check empowers consumers to know exactly what they’d be investing their money into so that they can make more informed decisions.

As previously noted, a WOVR check is of particular importance if a vehicle was previously written-off and then repaired and re-registered to a roadworthy status. 

While the choice to purchase such a vehicle is down to the individual, this check ensures that they’re aware of the potential risks or complications that could result from such a purchase, whether that’s increased insurance costs, functional issues that could result from its previous write-off, or the impact it may have on resale value down the line.

As part of MotorRegistry’s Comprehensive Vehicle History Report, we also account for any other potential accidents or damage a vehicle has sustained. So, even if a vehicle you’re considering wasn’t written-off, you’ll still be provided with information regarding damage and insurance claims, as well as quote history, allowing you to make an informed decision in purchasing a used vehicle that you’re confident won’t be impacted from previous issues.

If you have any further questions in regards to WOVR checks or MotorRegistry’s Vehicle History Reports, reach out to the team today.