WOVR Meaning Explained & How to Do a WOVI Check QLD
Find out what WOVR means in Queensland, how it affects selling and registering a car, what WOVI inspections involve, and how to do your own WOVI check.
May 17, 2025
Thinking of Buying or Selling a WOVR Car in Queensland?
If you've come across a WOVR vehicle or need to do a WOVI check in QLD, it's important to understand the WOVR meaning and how it all works before buying or selling.
In this guide, we'll break down what WOVR means, how a WOVI inspection works in Queensland, how to run a WOVR check or WOVI check QLD, and the rules around selling a written-off car..
What is The Written Off Vehicle Register (WOVR)?
So what is the WOVR meaning? WOVR stands for the Written-Off Vehicle Register. It's a national database that tracks vehicles deemed uneconomical to repair, whether due to accident damage, water damage, hail damage or being written off by an insurer. If you're trying to do a WOVR check on a car you're looking at, this register is where that information comes from. Running a quick WOVR check before buying can save you from costly surprises down the track..
There are two main types:
Statutory Write-Off
Cannot be registered again, ever.
Repairable Write-Off
Can be re-registered, but only after a WOVI inspection along with a valid roadworthy certificate.
What Is a WOVI Inspection?
WOVI stands for Written-Off Vehicle Inspection. A WOVI inspection is required in QLD before any repairable write-off can be re-registered. The purpose of the WOVI inspection is to verify that the vehicle has been properly repaired and that its identity matches the original records, helping to prevent vehicle rebirthing. If you're planning to buy or sell a repairable write-off in Queensland, understanding the WOVI inspection process is essential.
Here’s how it works:
- The car must be repaired to meet roadworthy standards.
- You’ll need to book a WOVI through Queensland Transport.
- They’ll inspect the vehicle and check the identity of key parts to prevent rebirthing.
- You can’t just roll up as WOVI bookings are tightly managed.
A WOVI is not the same as a roadworthy certificate - you’ll need both for the car to be re-registered.
WOVR vs WOVI Terms
Can You Sell a WOVR Car in QLD?
Yes, but it depends on the status.
Registered Repairable Write-Off:
You can sell it like any other car but you must disclose that it’s been written off.
Unregistered Repairable Write-Off:
You can still sell it, but the buyer will need to pass a WOVI before it’s registered again.
Statutory Write-Off:
You can only sell for parts, consider off-loading to a "cash for scrap cars" in Brisbane.
So yes, WOVR cars can be sold, but expect a lower price and more difficulty.
Can You Insure a Repairable Write-Off?
It’s tricky. Most insurers won’t cover WOVR vehicles with comprehensive insurance, even after a WOVI.
You might be able to get:
- Third-party property
- Fire and theft cover
- Or no insurance at all
Be honest with your insurer, or you could end up with a useless policy.
Tips for Selling a WOVR Car in QLD
If you’re selling a WOVR vehicle, here’s how to do it right:
- Be upfront in your ad. Say it’s on the WOVR.
- Show photos of the previous damage and receipts for repairs.
- Mention if it passed a WOVI or roadworthy.
- Sell to someone who understands what WOVR means (like us).
Trying to hide it will just waste your time and invite lowballers.
How to Estimate Your Repairable Write-Off’s Value
Determining how much your repairable write-off is worth can vary, but a common rule of thumb is that it may be valued at roughly two-thirds of the price of a similar non-write-off vehicle, so about 33% less.
Of course, this can depend on factors like the quality of the repair and the reason it was written off in the first place. Below, you’ll find a simple calculator to help you estimate your car’s value as a repairable write-off.
How to Do a WOVI Check QLD
Whether you're in Brisbane, the Gold Coast or anywhere in Queensland, doing a WOVI check QLD is simple. The easiest way to run a WOVI check is through the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) website. A PPSR search acts as both a WOVI check and a WOVR check in one, revealing the full write-off history of any vehicle in Australia..
It’ll tell you:
- If it’s a statutory or repairable write-off
- If it passed a WOVI
- If it’s been registered since
Some buyers will check this themselves, so beat them to it.
It's easy to check online and only costs $2. All you need is the cars Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Need to Sell a Car on The WOVR?
Don’t want to deal with picky buyers or inspection bookings? We buy WOVR cars as-is, no pressure, no judgement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The WOVR?
WOVR stands for the Written-Off Vehicle Register. It’s a national database that records vehicles that have been written off due to damage.
In Queensland, this impacts whether a car can be re-registered, insured, or legally sold.
What’s the Difference Between WOVR and WOVI?
- WOVR (Written-Off Vehicle Register) is the register where written-off vehicles are recorded.
- WOVI (Written-Off Vehicle Inspection) is a physical inspection required in Queensland before a repairable write-off can be re-registered.
Can You Sell a Car That’s on The WOVR?
Yes, you can sell a WOVR-listed car in QLD, but there are rules.
Repairable write-offs can be sold (with full disclosure), while statutory write-offs can only be sold for parts or scrap.
How to Do a WOVI Check
To do a WOVI check in QLD, visit the PPSR (Personal Property Securities Register) website and search using the vehicle's VIN number.
The WOVI check costs just $2 and will show you whether the car is listed on the WOVR, whether it's a statutory or repairable write-off, and whether it has passed a WOVI inspection.
This is the quickest way to run a WOVR check before buying any used car in Queensland.
If you're unsure about what steps to take after the WOVI or how to actually list the car, check out our complete guide for selling a car in QLD.
