When you think about a written-off vehicle, you will probably envisage a car or truck that has been involved in a major accident and could be deformed beyond all recognition. While it doesn't take too much to classify a vehicle as a total loss following an accident and the visible damage does not have to be that severe, this type of insurance decree will usually consign that vehicle to the history books. However, this is not always the case, and if you have a written-off vehicle in your possession, it may, in some circumstances, be possible for you to fix it and get it back onto the road. If so, what do you need to do?
Understanding the Terminology
Certain states do allow a vehicle that has been classified as a write off to be repurposed, so long as certain criteria are met. Fundamentally, no vehicle can be returned to the road if it has been subject to "non-repairable" damage. In other words, it must not have received any accident damage that is deemed to be so severe that it would be unsafe to attempt any repairs.
"Superficial" Damage
However, your car may have been in the wrong place at the wrong time and underneath a particularly violent thunderstorm. It received a considerable amount of damage from oversized hailstones, and an assessor determined that the overall repair cost was simply more than the value of the vehicle itself. This is not unusual and especially if the vehicle is a little older, but it will nevertheless be classified as written off anyway and, theoretically, not valid for use on the road.
Reregistration
In this case, however, you can apply to re-register the vehicle so long as you follow a certain process. To begin with, you will need to get specific permission from the government authority by sending in an application form. Once you have received this permission, you will then get an authorisation to repair the vehicle and will need to take the vehicle into a registered facility to get what is known as a "blue slip" inspection. Once you have passed this inspection, you can then send in the slip together with your registration and get back on the road as soon as possible.
Following the Process
Remember, you can only reregister a written-off car in certain circumstances. If you're eligible, make sure you get the right permission and take your vehicle into a qualified facility for inspection. To learn more about blue slip inspections, contact your local registration office.
