written off car insurance

When your car’s “written off” in Australia, the insurer has called it a total loss—repair costs (plus salvage) aren’t worth the squeeze. They’ll usually pay the agreed value or market value minus your excess, settle any finance first, and then take ownership of the carcass—keys, plates, the lot. The write-off goes on the WOVR, and it’ll be classed as a statutory write-off (never roadworthy again) or a repairable write-off (can return after inspections—rules vary by state). Some policies offer new car replacement in the first 1–2 years/low km, which can save a world of admin. Buy-back of salvage is sometimes possible, but insurers aren’t charities and the price may sting. Check your PDS and state registration authority for exact steps, refunds and inspection hoops.