The term 'write off' scares a lot of people but it can mean many things. It could be that the car has never even been in an accident, it may have been a write off because it had been extensively vandalised, keyed, broken windows etc.

It's worth remembering that there are 2 different types of write off, statutory which means the car is so extensively damaged that it cannot be safely repaired and economical write off which means the insurer deemed it cheaper to simply pay out the policy holder instead of repairing the vehicle but the vehicle was still determined to be safe enough to repair. I have bought 2 cars previously that have been written off due to hail damage (which had been repaired). I'd certainly consider hail damage not to be particularly major at all.

If you can't find out through the owner what the damage involved it's worthwhile getting a third party inspection or getting a panel beater to look over it. If the repairs have been performed correctly i would have no problem with buying a car that has been written off (economic of course, not stat).

If it's been poorly repaired then give it a wide berth obviously, but damage that has been well repaired is nothing to be scared of. I's estimate that at least 25% of cars over 6 or 7 years old have been written off at some stage in their life.

hmmm ... thanks for the information ...

My family member's car was involved in an accident and it's a "Write Off', the insurance company wants to payout $X for it, but we believe that it's undervalued ...

Is there any one (company) that will do a Pre Accident Value?? How can htey do it as the car is no longer in existance?

Would we have a chance?

The car was a 2004 XC CD Barina 5 door auto sedan, with the Blaupunkt CD, 15" alloys, fog lights, Pirelli tyres all as standard. The insurer compared the 2004 Barina with the 2008 TS model, which are $10,000 cheaper .....

So he's saying that for $18k you can get a new Barina ... is that valid?

We have agreed value insurance .... and the dispute would be that the agreed value is incorrect.

Thanks in advance.

I'd be asking the seller to do a mutual cancellation.

Its a major thing that they have omitted from the auction, in order to get a better price. Had you known, i'm sure it would have altered the amount you would have paid for the item.

I'd contact the seller and let them know that as they didn't provide a truthful description of the car, you no longer want it and you won't be paying and advise them to do a mutual cancellation.

If they don't, don't pay and when they lodge a NPB against you, simply reply to the dispute saying the car was a RWO and the seller didn't divulge that in the auction.

ebay will take no action against you.

I's estimate that at least 25% of cars over 6 or 7 years old have been written off at some stage in their life.

That's a silly statement.
Where does the decimal point go.
But i have said before that some cars [ 15-20 yr old ] are only worth the quote of a few minor repairs and a set of tyres.At $80/hr and retail prices it adds up.

I had a ding on the side of my VX that had to be fixed at 2k, NRMA,another repairer quoted it for 500,i done it my self for a can of Gorilla Hair,some white paint,one shot then the use of my drill and a slide hammer.

I never understand why people are so worried about vehicles that have been declared "WRite offs" that have been repaired and re-registered.
It should be noted that in many instances the vehicle is sounder then before it was repaired.
Before they are allowed back on the road they must undertake an inspection to satisfy the powers that be that the vehicle is indeed roadworthy. So whats the big deal?
As for backing out of a deal, because it was a write in the past and is now registered and roadworthy, thats just an excuse to not complete the transaction and a very shallow one at that.
Btw jebron, if you beleive the insurance company is undervaluing your car, then ask them to replace it with one the same as the one you lost.

You need to report it to the police.....it is against the law to sell a repairable writeoff without telling the person!!It is fraud!

Thank you to the OP & respondents with info about RWO's. I have just received the Vic Roads paperwork for my late Excel.

The insurers (Comminsure) are classing it as just that & now want to give me a pittance for the payout. It was a 97 Excel GLX 5 door Auto with 50,000 km on the clock, as when new. The policy was agreed/market value & it looks like I'll get less than $3,000 after the excess & such is knocked off. Do I have any recourse perhaps? Any advice greatly appreciated!