If you’ve ended up with a repairable write-off, in many cases it may not be worth investing extra time and money in repairs and you may decide to sell your car and cut your losses. In this guide, we’ll go over the laws and definitions around repairable write-offs and how you can sell your write-off for cash, regardless of its condition.
The Difference Between Statutory and Repairable Write-Offs
In Western Australia, when a vehicle is written off it will be recorded on the Written-Off Vehicles Register (WOVR). But what’s the difference between a statutory write-off and a repairable one?
Statutory Write-Offs
A statutory write-off is a car that has been extensively damaged and classified as unsafe to repair by an insurance company or qualified mechanic. In Western Australia and other states these vehicles cannot be legally re-registered and must be sold for parts.
Repairable Write-Offs
Repairable write-offs are vehicles that have been extensively damaged and classified as not worth repairing due to expensive repairs compared to their overall value. However, these vehicles can still be legally repaired and re-registered in WA.
Selling Repairable Write-Offs in WA
The good thing is that Western Australia does allow you to legally sell and re-register repairable write-offs as long they pass a safety inspection and a Written-Off Vehicle Inspection (WOVI) from an authorised service. Below are options for selling your vehicle:
Wreckers or Cash for Cars Companies: Choosing a reputable wrecker like Perth Car Buyer ensures that you can easily sell your car regardless of whether it is running or not. What ever the condition you’ll still get a fair price as well as free car removal.
Private Sales: Selling privately can potentially offer higher prices, but finding a buyer that is willing to buy a repairable write-off can be time-consuming and involve steep discounts.
Car Dealers: Car dealers may also be hesitant to buy repairable write offs, even if they are running well. If you do manage to sell to a dealer, expect a much lower price.
Factors Influencing Write-Off Car Value
- Extent of Damage: Generally the better the condition of the car, the more you can get for it, especially if there are significant salvageable parts.
- Market Demand: The demand for the make and model of your car also impacts the final price.
- Vehicle Weight: Heavier vehicles contain more scrap metal, increasing the cash you can get when selling to a wrecker.
FAQ
Is Selling A Repairable Write-Off Legal in Western Australia?
Yes, it’s legal in Western Australia. However, after recent changes to the Motor Vehicle Dealers (Sales) Regulations 1974 (WA), it’s a legal requirement for car dealers in WA to disclose the write-off status of a car when selling, however, private sellers are not required to do so.
How much is a repairable write-off worth?
Valuation can range from $150 to $9999 when sold to car wreckers. If you decide to invest in additional repairs for your car, you can sell it to a car dealer or privately for more, but profits may vary based on repair costs.
Can hail damage write off my car?
Hail damage repair costs can vary significantly. Smaller repairs typically range from $500 to $1,000, while major damage may require repairs costing $1,000 to upwards of $10,000. If the repair expenses exceed 50-70% of the car’s value, it’s classified as a write-off. If your car has been declared a write off, you may be able to claim a refund on the registration.