Self Insurers

On 31 January 2011, laws commenced in NSW to improve the management of written-off vehicles.

The laws also apply to self insurers.

For the purposes of the legislation, a self insurer is defined as someone who is the registered operator of five or more vehicles which do not have insurance policies for loss or damage provided by a third party.

Vehicle damage assessment and notification

  1. If the vehicle is assessed as a write-off, the self-Insurer must:
    • Notify the Written-off Vehicle Register (WOVR).
      The WOVR is a database maintained by Roads and Maritime Services, which contains details of vehicles that have been written-off in NSW.
    • Notifications of all written-off vehicles must be made within seven (7) days after a motor vehicle is assessed as a write-off and before it is sold or otherwise disposed of.
    • Attach the label (example below) in a clearly visible position to show that the vehicle cannot be re-registered and is only suitable for spare parts or scrap metal. Labels are available from Roads and Maritime Services Vehicle Identification Inspection Unit (VIIU) via email at vehicle_examinations@rms.nsw.gov.au.

      WOV logo label
       

    Note: If the vehicle is dismantled, the label must be attached to the area displaying the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). 

  2. Self-insurers must keep documents of a written-off vehicle assessment for seven (7) years.
  3. Vehicle damage assessed by a competent person. Damaged vehicles must be assessed by a competent person. See Assessment and notification of written-off vehicles for information about vehicle assessment and the definition of a competent person.

The following links provide more information.