Written-off vehicles register FAQs

The Written-Off Vehicle Register (WOVR) is an Australia-wide initiative developed by the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council. The Register is a nationally co-ordinated database of vehicles that have been assessed as written-off. They are listed by their Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs)

All vehicles with a GVM of 4.5 tonnes or less and aged 15 years or less from the date of manufacture, that are assessed as a total loss, will be termed "written-off", and recorded on the National Register. Nationally consistent criteria will be applied to determine the vehicle's written-off status.

The Register will be an effective strategy in reducing the illegal practice of "re-birthing", when the VIN of a legitimate vehicle is applied to a stolen car of the same make and model. Written-off vehicles are the largest source of these "legitimate" VINs.

There are two categories of written-off status - statutory and repairable. Nationally consistent re-registration restrictions apply to both categories, making it easier to identify and reduce illegal re-birthing.

Vehicles that are written off are assessed against a Damage Assessment Criteria.

Information on the status of vehicle is available to the public through Service Tasmania on 1300 135 513 or by using the registration number of the vehicle to do a Registration check Online.

A total loss is a vehicle damaged by collision, fire, flood, accident, trespass, dismantling, demolition or other event, to the extent that its fair salvage value, plus the cost of repairing the vehicle for use on a public street would be more than the fair market value of the vehicle immediately before the event that caused the damage.

A Statutory Write-Off is a vehicle that is assessed as a total loss and is so severely damaged that it cannot be repaired (i.e. may only use for parts or scrap metal).

Assessment Criteria

A Statutory Write-Off is a vehicle (excluding a motor cycle) that;

• Has excessive structural damage as detailed in the document Damage Assessment Criteria for the Classification of Statutory Write off or;
• Has, as a result of the internal cabin being inundated with any water (fresh, salt and/or brackish) internal cabin water that rises above the level of the inner doorsill for any period, or;

• Has, excessive damage, as a result of a fire, (whether in cabin or external) which causes the internal and/or external paint to blister on any three of the structural members;
  • the roof;
  • a pillar
  • the floor pan
  • the firewall
  • longitudinal structural rails or chassis, or
• As a result of a fire sustained a combination of interior and exterior fire damage to the extent that the vehicle is a total loss.
• Has been stripped of interior or exterior body parts, panels and components such as wheels, bonnet, guards, doors, boot lid and is determined to be a total loss.

For a motorcycle a Statutory Write-Off is one that;

• Has impact damage to the suspension and at least two areas of structural frame damage (excluding scratching), or;
• Has been fully immersed in saltwater for any period or fully immersed in freshwater for more than 2 days (48 hours);
• Has been burnt to such an extent that it is only suitable for wrecking or scrap;
• Has been stripped of all, or a combination of most, interior and exterior body parts, panels and components.

A repairable write-off is a vehicle that is assessed as a total loss and is not a statutory write-off.  A repairable write-off will be permitted to be registered following the completion of Vehicle Inspection Requirements (see the "What are the additional inspection requirements for Written-Off Vehicles?" FAQ) .

Extensive research shows that vehicles in this age and weight range group are at the highest risk for re-birthing activity.

Yes, if the caravan or trailer has a GVM of 4.5 tonnes or less.

• No, for all statutory write-offs. There is no exception.
• No, for all repairable write-offs, unless being driven to a place of inspection and registration.

There is no change in the way these vehicles are currently handled. They will be recorded on the Motor Registry System as wrecked. The Written-Off Vehicle Register applies only to vehicles aged 15 years or less from date of manufacture, with a GVM of 4.5 tonnes or less.

Auction houses, dealers, insurer's, auto parts dismantlers and loss assessors will be required to apply the compulsory assessment process to vehicles that come into their possession. A compulsory notification form must be submitted to Department of State Growth when making a written-off vehicle assessment. There are no exceptions to this requirement - notification must be on the approved form. A statutory declaration is not acceptable.

Once a vehicle has been assessed, organisations must notify the Registrar by forwarding the notification form within seven days, by either

• Email: tes@stategrowth.tas.gov.au
• Mailing: Registration and Licensing Services, GPO Box 1002 Hobart TAS 7001
• Lodging the form at any Service Tasmania Shop

No. The legislation requires prescribed persons (auction houses, dealers, insurers, auto part dismantlers and loss adjustors) to notify the Registrar.

Yes, the legislation applies to both registered and unregistered vehicles.

As a nation-wide register, the same set of policy principles and definitions apply to all Australian States and Territories. There are no exceptions to the requirements for assessment and notification. Restrictions on re-registration apply in any State or Territory, regardless of where the written-off status was recorded.

The Written-Off Vehicle Register involves the introduction of a new inspection process for written-off vehicles. (This will not affect vehicles classified as 'wrecked'). The new process is outlined below:

Stage: 1

• Inspection Level:  Approved Motor Body Repairer
• Provider:  Structural Inspection (Approved Motor Body Repairer Inspections Station Scheme (AMBRIS))
• Process:  Structural Check. As existing. The Motor Body Examiner (MBE) will assess structural integrity according to a set of guidelines developed by the Department of State Growth to assist with the inspection of a written-off vehicle.
• Cost ($):  As existing

Stage: 2

• Inspection Level:  Roadworthiness Check Approved Inspection Station
• Provider:  Approved Inspection Station (AIS)
• Process:  Pre-registration/Roadworthiness Check. As existing
• Cost ($):  As existing

Stage: 3

• Inspection Level:  Vehicle Identity Check
• Provider:  Transport Inspectors (Department of State Growth )
• Process:  The aim of this inspection is to confirm the identity of the vehicle, such as verify the VIN, ensure the damage repaired compares to the initial notification report and check receipts for repair.

Upon successful completion of the inspection the vehicle will be cleared for re-registration.

If the vehicle fails to pass the inspection the Transport Inspector may request the vehicle is re-repaired (road safety issue) or referred to Tasmania Police (the vehicle may be stolen). This may involve the Transport Inspector retaining the vehicle.

In any case, a repairable write-off cannot be re-registered unless cleared by a Transport Inspector.

Cost ($): Please refer to the Schedule of Fees.
Note: to assist the inspection process, the vehicle must be presented for Structural Check, before paint is applied.

Receipts

Customers wishing to have a repairable write-off registered will need to retain all receipts for any work undertaken, i.e. parts and labour. These receipts will need to be presented at the Vehicle Identity Inspection.

Included on the original receipt/s are to be:

• The details (name, address and contact phone number) of the:
  • Business or person selling the parts or labour
  • Purchaser of the components or benefactor of the work undertaken
• The date the components were purchased or work undertaken.
• A description of the parts (part numbers), or work undertaken.

Plus

• The Approved Inspection Station Certificate
• The Vehicle Structural Report
• Proof of identity (Driver Licence)
• Interstate Registration Papers if applicable

Booking a Vehicle Identity Inspection can be done by contacting the Service Tasmania on 1300 135 513. The inspection will take approximately four hours.

Yes, the current appeals process applies.

Tasmania has adopted the National Written-Off Vehicle Notification form.

Please print the form and either send to:

GPO Box 1002, Hobart TAS 7001
Email: tes@stategrowth.tas.gov.au