What vehicles are required to be notified as written-off?
Not all damaged vehicles need to be listed on the Written-Off Vehicle Register (WOVR). Under current legislation, an assessor must notify the Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure (DTMI) if the vehicle meets all the following criteria:
- it is a motor vehicle, motorcycle, trailer, or semi-trailer
- for motor vehicles, trailers, or semi-trailers, the Maximum Rated Capacity (MRC2) is 4,500 kg or less
- the vehicle was manufactured within the last 15 years, ending on the date the damage occurred.
Repairable vs statutory written-off vehicles
Repairable written-off vehicles
A vehicle is classified as a repairable written-off vehicle (or total loss) when:
- the cost of repairs (to meet required safety and roadworthiness standards), plus the salvage value exceeds the vehicle’s market or insured value, and
- the vehicle hasn’t sustained damage that automatically qualifies it as statutory.
These vehicles may be repaired and potentially re-licensed, subject to meeting all inspection and licensing requirements.
Statutory written-off vehicles
A vehicle must be classified as statutory-written off where:
- the vehicle has sustained severe damage that makes it unsafe and not suitable for repair, or
- it meets specific statutory damage criteria (for example, certain types of fire, water, structural, or stripping damage).
Statutory write-offs can’t be repaired or re licensed, regardless of repair cost. These vehicles may only be used for parts or scrap metal.
When is a vehicle a total loss?
Before a vehicle is written off, an assessor checks whether it is a total loss (meaning it is not economical to repair). A vehicle is considered a total loss when the cost of repairs plus its salvage value, is more than the vehicle’s market or insured value.
Key definitions
Cost of repairs
The total cost to fix the vehicle so it meets safety and roadworthiness standards, including parts and labour.
Salvage value (salvage costs)
The amount the damaged vehicle is worth in its current condition (for example, what it could be sold for as scrap or parts).
Vehicle’s market or insured value
The amount the vehicle is worth before it was damaged.
- Market value is what the vehicle would likely sell for on the open market at the time of the incident.
- Insured value is the amount agreed in the insurance policy.
Who determines a vehicle is a write-off
A damaged vehicle is assessed and declared a write‑off by an approved assessor, such as:
- an insurance company
- a licensed motor vehicle assessor
- a motor vehicle dealer or wrecker.
The assessor is responsible for:
- determining whether the vehicle is a total loss
- calculating repair and salvage costs
- classifying the vehicle as repairable or statutory
- notifying DTMI where the vehicle meets notifiable criteria.
Written-Off Vehicle Register (WOVR)
The WOVR has been developed to help prevent written-off vehicles from being illegally re-identified and resold.
The register is maintained by DTMI and records the written-off vehicle's identifying details and specific information about the damage to the vehicle that resulted in it being written-off. It also records whether a vehicle has been classified as a statutory or repairable write-off, and any structural damage which has been recorded.
Once a vehicle has been notified as a write-off and recorded on the WOVR:
- the licence will be cancelled, and
- the number plates must be returned within 28 days.
The registered owner will receive a letter confirming the licence cancellation. If an insurance company or wrecker has the number plates, you should confirm whether they will return them on your behalf. If you are unsure where the plates are, or if they have been lost or stolen, you may need to complete a Lost/stolen number plates notification (Form VL14) - PDF.
For all enquiries about written-off vehicles call the Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure (DTMI) on 13 11 56.
Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR)
To check if your vehicle is on the WOVR, has been reported stolen, or has money owing on it, visit the PPSR website or call 1300 007 777.
When making an enquiry, you’ll need the VIN or chassis number. You can’t search using the number plate or engine number.
The PPSR can tell you whether a vehicle, boat or farm machinery has money owing on it (encumbered) before making a purchase. This is important because a third party (e.g. a bank or finance company) may be able to repossess the vehicle you have purchased.
The PPSR website has detailed information on written-off vehicle codes, which can assist you in identifying vehicle history during a used car search.
WOVR Live
DTMI’s 'WOVR Live' allows approved users to submit WOVR notifications online. The written-off notification details are then automatically recorded on the Personal Properties Securities Registered (PPSR).
Accessing WOVR Live
To gain access, new users need to contact DTMI via email - WOVR@transport.wa.gov.au
New users will be sent a form to complete and instructions on how to apply.
Once approved, DTMI will allocate a password and provide the URL address so that WOVR notifications can commence.
Written-off heavy vehicles
New South Wales (NSW) is the only state to introduce a heavy vehicle Written-Off Vehicle Register (WOVR) which has been operational since December 2018.
On 26 February 2022, WA road laws were updated to allow recognition of heavy vehicles listed on NSW’s heavy vehicle WOVR.
If a heavy vehicle is recorded on the NSW heavy vehicle WOVR and an owner needs to update information concerning it, they must contact Transport for NSW.
On 15 August 2022, NSW amended legislation in relation to written-off vehicles. These changes included a new definition for a ‘light truck’ and other updates to how the WOVR works.
WA doesn’t recognise NSW’s definition of a ‘light truck’, only a light or heavy vehicle.
For more details about the NSW changes, visit Transport for NSW.