Buying a used car without a WOVR check can be risky. You may get caught up in the excitement of finding the perfect car at a great price and forget to perform important steps like checking the WOVR, but this mistake could end up costing you a car that’s been seriously damaged in the past. The WOVR check gives you peace of mind by revealing if the car has ever been declared a write-off.
In this advice, we will understand the WOVR meaning, why it matters, what the written off vehicle register actually means and how you can easily perform a WOVR check before making your purchase.
Understanding the WOVR Meaning
Before we start discussing how to do a WOVR check, we should understand what WOVR stands for. The term WOVR meaning is a national database maintained in Australia that records all vehicles that have been written off. The WOVR stands for Written-Off Vehicle Register. This helps in tracking cars that have suffered damage, to ensure transparency and protection for buyers.
When a car is damaged and an insurance company assesses the extent of the damage and if the damage meets a certain threshold, it must be reported to the written-off vehicle register. Once a vehicle appears on this register, depending on the intensity of damage, it is categorised as a repairable write-off or a statutory write-off.
The Difference Between Repairable Write-Off and Statutory Write-Off
Repairable write off and statutory write off are two classifications that you may see in the WOVR check:
Repairable Write Off
A repairable write-off suggests that the vehicle has sustained significant damage but can be repaired. These category vehicles can return to public roads once they pass safety inspection and other compliance checks. An insurance company identifies the vehicle as a repairable write-off when the repair cost of the vehicle is close to or exceeds its market value. After repairs, safety and government inspections, the vehicle can be re-registered and ready to be driven again.
Statutory Write Off
A statutory write off is much more serious damage compared to a Repairable Write Off. This classification means the car is badly damaged, probably due to severe flood, fire, or structural damage. Therefore, it can never be legally repaired or registered again. Even after repair, a statutory write-off vehicle cannot be driven on public roads.
A WOVR check will show which category of write-off the respective vehicle belongs to, and the buyer can consider this before making any decision or payment.
Why a WOVR Check Is So Important?
Missing a WOVR check may save you some money, but could cost you thousands later. Here are some of the reasons why the WOVR check is so important:
- Avoid buying unsafe vehicles
If a vehicle has been written off, that means it could have hidden structural damage, even if it looks fine from the outside. A WOVR check ensures that you don’t drive or buy, which can be unsafe for you and others.
- Save your money
Buying a car can be seen as a major financial investment. If you buy a car with a repairable write-off, the value of the car will fall faster, making it impossible to resell. Knowing what you are signing up for with an authentic WOVR check, you can save money.
- Understand its insurance history
Sometimes, insurers use the written off vehicle register to check the risk associated with a car and even refuse to insure your car. A WOVR check helps you get a preview of insurance.
- Comply with Legal
In some of the Australian states, vehicles that have been written off vehicle register require additional inspection before they can be driven. A WOVR check helps you understand these legal requirements.
How to Perform WOVR Check?
Performing a WOVR Check is simple and fast when done with the right third party. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: Find the vehicle’s VIN
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique 17-digit code that identifies the car. If you don’t have a VIN, you can also fetch information from the REGO or the number plate.
Step 2: Choose a reliable WOVR check provider
You can choose a reliable provider like Cars24, whose Check Vehicle History report includes a financial encumbrance check, stolen vehicle check, recall check, written off check, registration check, PPSR report, vehicle valuation and market demand.
Step 3: Enter VIN/REGO and review report
Once you enter the VIN and payment information, you will receive a detailed report. The WOVR check will include whether the car is on the written off vehicle register, classified as a repairable write off or statutory write off, any previous insurance claim and finance encumbrances.
This report provides insights that can make or break the deal.
The Risks of Skipping a WOVR Check
The car may look fit from the outside, but a WOVR check will show the history of the car. Here’s why you shouldn’t miss the WOVR check:
- A statutory write-off that can’t be legally registered
- A repairable write-off that wasn’t properly repaired and approved
- A car that’s unsafe and non-compliant with norms
- Financial loss due to reduced or no resale value
Skipping a WOVR check is like buying a mystery box; you don’t know what you will get.
WOVR Check Vs Other Vehicle Checks
A WOVR check focuses on a vehicle’s write-off and damage history, whereas checks like PPSR only show financial encumbrances and stolen status. The buyer or seller can’t buy 2-3 different reports as it’s time-consuming and expensive; a smart option is to buy a comprehensive car history check from a trustworthy and transparent vendor like Cars24. Check Vehicle History is a quick and easy report that can be generated in minutes to know about the complete background of the car. If you buy this, you don’t need to buy PPSR or WOVR check reports.
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