Had an accident and the insurance company declared your car a write-off? You’re not alone. This situation happens more often than you might think — and one of the first questions people ask is, “Can I still sell it?”
The short answer is: yes, you can.
But (and there’s always a but) — there are a few important things to know first.
Let’s break it down in plain English so you know exactly what your options are.
What Does “Written Off” Actually Mean?
In Australia, a car is declared a write-off when it’s considered too expensive or unsafe to repair. But not all write-offs are treated equally.
There are two types in Victoria:
1. Statutory Write-Off
- The damage is so severe that the car is not allowed to be re-registered or driven again.
- Think: fire damage, serious structural issues, or it’s been submerged in floodwater.
- You can’t fix it and put it back on the road, no matter how good a mechanic you know.
✅ You can sell a statutory write-off — but only for parts, recycling, or scrap.
Wreckers (like us) buy these types of vehicles all the time.
2. Repairable Write-Off
- The car can be repaired, but it’s usually not worth the cost.
- If you want to get it back on the road, you’ll need to pass a Vehicle Identity Validation (VIV) inspection to prove it’s roadworthy and hasn’t been tampered with.
✅ You can sell a repairable write-off — either as-is to someone who wants to fix it, or for parts and recycling.
So, Who Buys Written-Off Cars?
This is where things get a bit easier.
If your car has been written off, you might struggle to find a private buyer — especially if it’s not roadworthy or looks like it’s seen better days. Most people don’t want to deal with VIV checks, towing, or costly repairs.
That’s why many sellers turn to local wreckers, auto recyclers, or cash-for-cars companies.
Here’s what we do:
- We buy written-off cars (statutory or repairable)
- We offer cash on the spot
- We handle the paperwork
- And yes, we pick it up for free
It’s one of the fastest and easiest ways to offload a car you no longer want (or can’t use).
Do You Need to Tell the Buyer?
Yes, always be upfront.
If you’re selling the car privately, you’re legally required to tell the buyer that it’s a write-off. This includes whether it’s repairable or statutory.
Trying to sell it without disclosing this information can land you in legal trouble — and it’s just not worth the risk.
If you’re selling to a wrecker or car removal service, we’ll check the status ourselves through a REVS or PPSR report, so there are no surprises.
What About Insurance Payouts?
If you’ve already accepted a full payout from your insurer, they usually keep the car. You don’t own it anymore — they do.
However, some insurers let you buy back the car (especially for repairable write-offs). Once it’s in your name again, you’re free to sell it.
If you haven’t taken the payout yet and want to keep or sell the car yourself, speak with your insurer first. Don’t assume you can just tow it away.
Here’s the Bottom Line
Yes — you can sell a car that’s been written off. Whether it’s a statutory write-off that’s only good for scrap or a repairable write-off with some life left in it, there’s still value in that vehicle.
Private sales can be tricky, especially when buyers are cautious. But wreckers and cash-for-cars companies make the process simple, quick, and transparent — no need for a roadworthy or long explanations.
Got a written-off car collecting dust? We’ll take it off your hands, pay you cash, and sort out the logistics.
A write-off doesn’t mean worthless.
It might be the end of the road for your car, but it could be the start of quick cash in your pocket. Reach out to your local wrecker (that’s us!) and we’ll help you turn that write-off into something useful.
If you are in Port Melbourne, and looking for a cash for cars service, this is the best way to visit us.
Richmond Cash 4 Cars
(03) 7047 6388