When an insurer calls your car a write-off in Australia, it means repairing it would cost more than it’s worth—or it wouldn’t be safe even if repaired.
They’ll usually declare a total loss, pay out your agreed value or market value minus any excess, and then take ownership of the remains like a vulture at the wreckers’ picnic.
The vehicle goes onto the Written-Off Vehicle Register (WOVR); a statutory write-off can’t go back on the road, while a repairable write-off might—after inspections—depending on your state’s rules.
If the car’s financed, the lender gets paid first, and any leftovers come your way; you can sometimes negotiate to keep the salvage for a reduced payout, if you fancy a very large, very broken paperweight.
Got extras like rego or unused CTP? Refunds are state-based, so check the fine print before celebrating with a meat pie.
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