The Repairable Write-Off Checklist
From the listing to the inspection bay, success with a repairable write-off comes down to ticking the right boxes at the right time. This checklist breaks the journey into three stages - before you buy, during repairs, and before your WOVI - so nothing slips through the cracks.
Think of this as three checklists in one. The pre-purchase stage protects you from buying the wrong car. The repair stage builds the evidence the inspection demands. And the pre-WOVI stage makes sure you walk into the station fully prepared to pass on the first attempt.
Stage 1 - Before you buy
- Run a PPSR check on the VIN to confirm it's repairable, not statutory
- Confirm there's no finance owing on the vehicle
- Assess the damage type - cosmetic hail is lower risk than structural or flood
- Estimate the full repair cost, including airbags and safety parts
- Read the auction's buyer terms, fees and collection rules
Stage 2 - During repairs
- Photograph the vehicle's damage before any work begins
- Keep tax invoices for every new part fitted
- Record donor vehicle details for any second-hand parts
- Photograph airbags, seatbelt pretensioners and structural work being fitted
- Obtain chassis measurement or alignment reports where structural work was done
Stage 3 - Before your WOVI
- Gather photo ID and your customer reference number (CRN)
- Compile proof of purchase from the auction
- Order all receipts and photos to match the recorded damage
- Confirm the VIN, engine and compliance plates are present and legible
- Book your inspection slot at an approved station - or have us monitor for one
Preparation is what passes a WOVI
The vehicles that fail are rarely badly repaired - they're badly documented. Work through all three stages and you remove almost every reason an assessor has to fail you.
Don't let the booking be your weak link
You've controlled everything else - make sure availability doesn't stall you. We watch Eagle Farm, Rocklea, Burleigh Heads and every other Queensland station for cancellation slots.
Related guides
The Complete Guide to Repairable Write-Offs
The complete guide to repairable write-offs in Queensland: what they are, how the WOVR works, buying at auction, repairing safely and passing your WOVI inspection.
Read moreHow to Buy a Repairable Write-Off
How to buy a repairable write-off in Queensland safely: choosing auctions, running PPSR checks, inspecting damage, budgeting for the WOVI and avoiding costly mistakes.
Read moreThe Complete WOVI Checklist
Download our free WOVI checklist PDF for Queensland. Everything the assessor wants to see - receipts, photos, parts documentation and ID - so you pass first time.
Read moreDocuments Required for a WOVI Inspection
Exactly which documents you need for a WOVI inspection in Queensland: proof of purchase, parts receipts, repair photos, ID and CRN. Avoid a failed inspection.
Read more