In 2011 The NSW Government passed a law banning the re-registration of all statutory written-off vehicles. This law, aims to combat car re-birthing by cancelling the written-off vehicles’s registration and recording it against its VIN on the register.

So how do you sell a repairable write-off if you can’t register it and how much can you get for it? Read on to learn more about getting your write off sold in NSW.

What is a Statutory Write-Off

A statutory write-off refers to vehicles suffering from substantial roof, floor, body, serious engine malfunction or other types of damage. These vehicles are unsafe to fix and assessed as write-offs by an insurance company. In NSW once a car is written off it is illegal to re-register it. In all states, the vehicle’s registration is cancelled and the vehicle is added to the WOVR. 

What is a Repairable Write-Off

Repairable write-offs, on the other hand, can be repaired and made roadworthy. However, this can cost 50% to 70% of its market value. 

A “repairable write-off” refers to a vehicle that is considered uneconomical to repair but has no significant safety concerns. This type of vehicle can be re-registered in other states but not in NSW, where it is illegal to re-register a write-off car. 

Insurers look at your car’s salvage value vs the cost of repairs when deciding to deem your car a repairable write off. 

To re-register the car has to adhere to the standards set by the relevant government regulations in your state.

An example of a Repairable Write Off 

Consider this scenario: Your car’s market value is around $5,000. After a severe accident, wreckers inform your comprehensive insurer that they might pay $1,000 for the wreck – this is the ‘salvage value’.

On the other hand, panel beaters estimate that repairing the damage will cost $4,500. In this situation, you could receive the market value of $5,000, with the insurer recovering $1,000 from the salvage. The total cost for your insurer would be $4,000. In contrast, repairing the car would exceed $4,500. Consequently, your car is likely to be written off and classified as a Repairable Write-Off (RWO).

Selling a repairable write-off

Unfortunately, repairable write-offs are not legally recognised in NSW as they cannot be re-registered except under special circumstances. While you can re-register and sell repairable write-offs in other states, it’s best to sell your written-off vehicle to a car wrecker or scrap dealer in NSW.

How much can you get for your write-off car?

If you’re thinking of selling your write-off car, here are the factors that can affect it’s value:

Extent of damage to vehicle

The damage to your car will determine if there are any parts that can still be salvaged and used in other vehicles. Salvage laws vary from state to state so be sure to do your research.

Market Factors

The demand for your car’s make and model in the on the used parts market will determine the ultimate price of your write off car. According to our experience, most wreckers will pay anywhere from $200 to $10 000 for a write off car. 

Benefits of selling your write off car

Selling your repairable write-off offers several advantages:

Unlocking Value: Rather than letting your vehicle sit unused, selling it allows you to maximize its worth.

Environmental Impact: Selling a repairable write-off for restoration promotes recycling and reduces the environmental impact associated with manufacturing new vehicles.

Potential Profit: Your write off car can yield you significant profits, especially if it has rare or hard to find parts that are in demand.

How to sell your write off car in NSW

There are a number of places you can sell your car in NSW, below are the main methods.

Private sale

You can opt to list your write off car on online marketplaces such as Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree or used parts websites. You may be able to obtain a higher selling price overall with a private sale, but it is often time consuming and difficult to find buyers for certain parts.

Not to mention the hassle of negotiating with multiple buyers and dealing with payments.

Sell your car to a wrecker or cash for cars company

The best solution is to sell it to a written off car wrecker is to sell to a reputable cash for cars company.

At Metro Car Removal, we’ll make the process quick and easy, giving you cash in hand as soon as your car is removed. We take all your write off car regardless of make, model or condition giving you the best price possible.

No waiting around or haggling with buyers, once you accept our quote we come to take away your car on the same day or the next day.

FAQ

Can I legally sell a repairable write-off in Australia?

Yes, you can legally sell a repairable write-off in all states except NSW where a written off cars cannot be re-registered.

How much cash can I get for a repairable write-off?

You can get anywhere from $150 to 9999 at a car wrecker or cash for cars company for your write off car.