WOVR - Heavy Vehicle Criteria The importance of correctly classifying damaged vehicles

Following the Introduction of the Written Off Vehicle Register for Heavy Vehicles in December 2018, NSW Members of the Australian Heavy Vehicle Repairers Association (AHVRA) a division of MTA NSW, have reported several examples of vehicles that may have been incorrectly classified (some as repairable write off’s instead of Statutory write off’s).

The Association strongly advises Members to ensure they have read and understood the Written Off Vehicle Register (WOVR) legislation including the criteria and its application.

The road safety implications of correct classification of total losses are significant. The government has seen the need to ensure that unsafe vehicles are not able to be re-registered and repairers are an important link in the chain that exists in correctly identifying these vehicles. Penalties also apply for incorrect classification of vehicles.

The criteria are designed to consistently identify and appropriately classify vehicles that should not be repaired on safety grounds and are suitable only for dismantling or scrap.

A guide developed by Austroads and the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council to support the consistent application of special assessment
criteria for the classification of heavy written-off vehicles is available at www.austroads.com.au  

In addition to that, AHVRA has developed a checklist that will assist in indicating the classification - should the vehicle be uneconomical to repair. These checklists are designed for estimators to use during the quoting process.

Basic notes that apply to Rigid Trucks, Prime Movers and Trailers
Please note that certain damage resulting from fire, heat, water inundation and stripping, that is set out in the criteria, automatically classifies units at stat total losses.

General Application Criteria

• A rigid truck that reaches an accumulated damage count of seven points must be classified to be a Statutory Write Off (SWO).
• A prime-mover that reaches an accumulated damage count of eight points must be classified to be a SWO.
• A trailer that reaches an accumulated damage count of six points must be classified to be a SWO.
  

Note: Damage to the following components is not relevant to the determination of the accumulated damage count:

• accessory or auxiliary body attachments such as cranes, concrete pumps or mixers, tanks, pumps, garbage compactors, etc... (except in the case of stripping);
• wheels and tyres;
• bolt-on or bolt-off parts which can be replaced, provided the fixed mount is not damaged e.g. exhaust mounts, air conditioners etc

Please note the following:

• A Statutory Write Off cannot be repaired once it has been declared and registered as a Statutory Write Off.
• A Heavy Vehicle, where prior to being Declared a Statutory Write Off is agreed as financially economical to repair by the Repairer / Insurer, may be repaired by an Accredited Heavy Vehicle Smash Repairer.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
Please contact Brenton Daniel, MTA NSW Divisional Manager
Mobile: 0419 171 212
Email: brenton.daniel@mtansw.com.au