Frequently Asked Questions

Please take the time to read the below FAQs before making a booking.

 

As of March 1 our service fees have changed, which means that any inspections carried out on or after March 1st will be subject to the new fees.

  • Passenger vehicle or truck not over 4.5t GVM – $484.45
  • Motorcycle, caravan or trailer (trailers over 4.5t ATM) – $372.35
  • Re-inspects – $61.15

What is a written-off vehicle inspection?

A written-off vehicle inspection is commonly known as a ‘WOVI’ or ‘WOVR’. These are comprehensive vehicle identity checks which apply to all vehicles classified as repairable write-offs and are required before a repairable written-off vehicle can be re-registered. They are part of the national theft reduction initiative and are required to ensure that the identity of repaired written-off vehicles is legitimate. This is to combat the illegal use of vehicle identifiers and to stop the re-birthing of stolen vehicles. The inspection also involves inspecting the nature of any repairs conducted, the parts utilised in the repair process along with all repair and parts receipts, and identifying if the vehicle has any obvious defects.

What is the process to get a written-off vehicle inspection?

You must book your inspection online via www.wovi.com.au Each inspection must be booked at least 72 hours in advance. When booking an inspection, the vehicle's details, including the vehicle identification number (VIN) or chassis number, make, model and colour must be provided. Please note that the letters ‘I’, ‘O’ or ‘Q’ must not be entered into the VIN in the booking details as this will produce an error message. You must also enter the owners licence details. The owner of the vehicle must have a Queensland Transport and Main Roads customer reference number to make a booking, otherwise the booking cannot proceed. On the day of the appointment, the owner will need to personally present the vehicle at the inspection site. If this is not possible, the person presenting the vehicle will have to prove their identity by showing an acceptable form of identification, and must also have a Queensland Transport and Main Roads customer reference number. The representative of an organisation must show a letter of authority to conduct business on behalf of the organisation, in addition to their own personal identification. On the day of inspection you are not allowed to be present inside the inspection premises with the vehicle during the inspection itself. Motorcycles must be removed from transport vehicles. You may drive the vehicle to the inspection site under only 3 circumstances:- The vehicle is still currently registered, or You are able to utilise a trade/dealer plate, or You have all three of - current safety certificate, third party insurance certificate and a completed Queensland Transport and Main Roads registration application – with you at the time.

How long will the inspection take?

You must drop the vehicle off to the inspection site at or prior to the allocated time of the appointment. The inspection, on average, takes less than half a day. The examiner will let you know when the vehicle will be available for collection. If more time is required to complete the inspection, you may have to leave the vehicle at the inspection site for longer. For all bookings at the Brisbane site the vehicle must be left for a minimum of 3 working days. For Brisbane inspections you will not be able to collect the vehicle until you are contacted back to advise that the inspection is completed.

What are the new fees, effective 1st March 2023?

Passenger vehicle or truck not over 4.5t GVM - $484.45 | Motorcycle, caravan or trailer not over 4.5t ATM - $372.35 | Re-inspects - $61.15

What if I booked my inspection prior to March 1?

As of March 1 our service fees have changed, which means that any inspections carried out on or after March 1st will be subject to the new fees.

How much deposit is required to submit a booking?

A $100 booking fee shall apply at the time of booking (‘Fee’). The Fee will be deducted from the total price at the time of drop-off. The Fee is non-refundable upon cancellation unless 3 business days’ notice has been provided. Some discretionary exceptions apply. If you need to cancel your booking, please contact us on 1300 722 411 at least 3 business days ahead of your scheduled booking. Please note, bookings are unable to be made over the phone. Please note, a non-refundable transaction surcharge of $2.04 will be added to the total amount payable. Please note we only accept Visa or Mastercard payments.

Am eligible for a refund if I don’t show up to my inspection?

Your booking fee is non-refundable if you fail to attend your inspection without any notice, including being late to your allocated booking time. Some discretionary exceptions apply. If you need to cancel your booking, please send a message to +61 438 362 819 at least 3 business days ahead of your scheduled booking. Please note, transaction surcharges of $2.04 are non-refundable.

Updates on COVID-19 - Are all sites still open for inspections?

All sites are still open for inspections. Please continue to make bookings as normal.

COVID-19 - What distancing measures are in place?

Cash is no longer accepted at Brisbane or Townsville (all other sites remain cashless), barriers are in place at all inspection sites and only one customer at a time in the customer waiting areas. Please follow the instructions of the onsite inspector at the time of your inspection.

What is the difference between a safety inspection and a written-off vehicle inspection?

A safety certificate inspection confirms that the vehicle complies with the minimum safety standards. It does not include a detailed inspection of the repairs to fix the vehicle damage. All vehicles must be presented for a written-off vehicle inspection (WOVI) with a current Queensland safety certificate. The currency period for a safety certificate is 2 months, or 3 months if issued to a licensed dealer. The WOVI is a thorough inspection and detailed analysis of the identity and history of the vehicle, including the parts used in the vehicle repair to ensure stolen vehicles or parts are not used to re-register a written-off vehicle. The inspection includes an analysis of the vehicle 's history, repair and documentation. If there are obvious vehicle defects identified by the QIS examiner the WOVI will not be completed until the defects are repaired. If there is any doubt or inconsistencies with the vehicle's identity, history or documentation the vehicle is referred to the Queensland Police Service for further investigation. The Queensland Police Service may undertake a detailed forensic inspection on the vehicle to confirm its legitimate identity.

Vehicle purchase documents.

Purchase receipts for vehicles need to include the make, model and VIN number of the vehicle, along with the purchaser’s name, and the full details of the seller including name, address and contact phone numbers. Purchase receipts from licenced motor dealers and auction houses will always contain this information. Purchase receipts in business/company names when the booking is for an individual will need to be accompanied by documentation from Australian Securities and Investment Commission ASIC or the Office of Fair Trading which show the two as the same entity, and the reverse is also applicable. If the vehicle is purchased from a private person, additional document/s will be required which prove that the seller actually owned the vehicle which they have sold. These documents include previous registration certificates in their name, or a previous purchase receipt from a licenced motor dealer or similar. A complete chain of receipts from that person/dealer up to the applicant is required. If the vehicle has been retained by its owner after being written off, then an insurance letter of salvage will be required which contains the vehicle’s details, owner’s details, and a listing of the insurance payout/salvage vehicle retention by the owner. If the vehicle has been obtained as part of a deceased estate, then a copy of the certified will is required which shows the customer is the beneficiary of the estate. If the vehicle has been obtained as a result of being abandoned such as unclaimed at a workshop, then ownership can only be ascertained after the provisions of the Disposal of Uncollected Goods Act 1967 have been complied with.

Do I need information on parts receipts?

You must correctly account for all parts at the time of the initial inspection, otherwise the vehicle will not be passed. Purchase and fitment of parts after the inspection is not acceptable. For a WOVI purchase of second hand parts from private sellers, including those from swap meets and internet sites such as ebay and gumtree is not recommended. You may have trouble obtaining correct original proof of ownership of those parts from the seller, and you will require these for the vehicle to pass inspection. If you do purchase parts from a private seller additional document/s will be required which prove that the seller actually owned the vehicle/parts which they have sold. These documents include previous registration certificates in their name, or a previous purchase receipt from a licenced motor dealer or similar. A complete chain of receipts from that person/dealer up to the applicant is required. Recognised legitimate parts suppliers will not only be licenced, but also operate a computer based parts stock tracking system including full details and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the vehicle where the parts originate if the parts are second hand. If second hand components from another vehicle you own have been used in the repair, you will be required to provide proof of purchase of that vehicle including the VIN. Imported complete vehicles that do not have an Australian import approval as a road vehicle cannot be dismantled and used for parts on written-off vehicles.

Vehicle repairs and documentation requirements

Please note that in all cases a repair document of some nature will be required. In an instance where a vehicle has sustained no or very little visible damage a statutory declaration will still be required stating that no repairs have been effected. Some repairs require specialised equipment and knowledge. If not repaired correctly, the vehicle will not pass the WOVI. QIS must be able to formally identify a repairable write-off as a particular vehicle in order to pass that vehicle. Vehicles which have had substantial repairs such that only a minor portion of the original repairable write-off vehicle remain, may not be passed. Vehicles which have had a cabin replaced on a chassis also may not pass. Identification plates cannot be removed from any parts on the vehicle. It is an offence to remove an identification plate and any vehicles presented for inspection with missing identification plates may be referred to the Queensland Police Service for investigation. Queries in relation to either of these two types of repairs should be addressed with QIS Administration staff for further advice prior to the vehicle being booked for inspection. The repairer must provide you with a valid tax invoice, with full details of the parts and labour to repair the vehicle. The repair invoice must list the details of the vehicle including the VIN number; plus full details of the removal and replacement of parts, repair of parts, refinishing (painting) of parts, full parts listing, labour content and a detailed parts listing for any parts from a donor vehicle with the VIN number of that vehicle (or vehicles) also listed. Examples of the correct style of repair invoices are available via the internet, such as by searching ‘images Australia panel repair invoice sample estimate’. The repairer must provide all original receipts for parts or donor vehicles to you, to present at the inspection. If you bought the vehicle in an already repaired condition, you will still be required to obtain the required documents and tax invoices from the previous owner/s where possible, and provide a statutory declaration to this effect. Vehicles repaired by a private owner themselves will also require a statutory declaration to be completed, and must list the same details as above that a panel shop would provide. Photographs of vehicles in their damaged state and during various stages of repair will always assist the inspection to proceed with less difficulty and these should be provided if available. In addition please ensure all broken glass and been replaced and the vehicle has been thoroughly cleaned/detailed so the vehicle is safe and in a roadworthy condition to inspect. Please note – your vehicle will not be inspected and you will need to rebook your vehicle if any glass is present or your vehicle is deemed unsafe.

Do I need a Statutory Declaration?

Statutory Declarations may be used as the repair document where the vehicle has been repaired by a private person, but cannot be used as an alternative to parts receipts. QIS does not automatically accept the contents of a Statutory Declaration as true and correct, and reserves the right to request further information or documents in order to establish the true origins of the repaired vehicle. All Statutory Declarations must be completed in the required format and signed by an authorised signatory, normally a Justice of the Peace (JP). If the Statutory Declaration is not signed and stamped by an authorised JP then QIS may request further details of the signatory and a delay may occur in the inspection process. The correct format for a Queensland Statutory Declaration may be found on the Queensland Government Publications Portal. A stat dec must have the VIN number of the vehicle that is being presented. Unrepaired hail damaged vehicles require a stat dec (with VIN) stating the hail has not been repaired. In addition please ensure all broken glass and been replaced and the vehicle has been thoroughly cleaned/detailed so the vehicle is safe and in a roadworthy condition to inspect. Please note – your vehicle will not be inspected and you will need to rebook your vehicle if any glass is present or your vehicle is deemed unsafe.

Whats an authority letter?

If you are organising another person to deliver the vehicle, that person will need to present their driver's licence and a letter of authorisation from the owner granting permission to drop off/ pick up the vehicle. This person must have a Queensland Drivers Licence or Customer Reference Number (CRN).

How much does the inspection cost?

The fee is $484.45 for cars and trucks, and $372.35 for motorbikes, caravans and trailers. There are no concessional rates. The fee is payable whether or not the vehicle passes the inspection and there are no refunds for failed vehicles. Plus there is a $61.15 reinspection fee for any vehicle not passing its inspection upon first presentation. In addition, any vehicle inspection that has not been completed within a period of 12 months, may require an additional full inspection and may be subject to an additional full inspection fee (applicable at that time). These fees are comparable to equivalent inspections in other states with flat fees of $523.50 in Victoria, $584.80 in the Australian Capital Territory and $514.00 for a full inspection in New South Wales. The fee was determined as part of the contract procurement. In addition to the costs of providing the service across Queensland, the inspection price incorporates a component of this risk borne by Queensland Inspection Services. Please note: Any vehicle that has There was a fee increase applying to inspections from 1 February 2019.

What are my payment options?

Please note - At present cash will not be accepted at any inspection site. The following means of payment are acceptable, Bank Cheque, Money Order from Australia Post, Credit Card, and EFTPOS. Personal and business cheques are not accepted.

Where can I get a written-off vehicle inspection?

Queensland Inspection Services provide written-off vehicle inspections. We have sites in Brisbane, Rockhampton, Toowoomba, Townsville, Mackay, Bundaberg, Cairns, Sunshine Coast, Beenleigh and on the Gold Coast. To gain more information contact Queensland Inspection Services on 1300 722 411*. *Higher rates apply from mobile phones and payphones. If calling outside of Queensland, STD rates will apply. Maps of the locations of each of our sites is available on the Contact Us tab of our website www.wovi.com.au Queensland Inspection Services are required under legislation to perform inspections only at the sites already approved by Qld Transport as are listed above. We are unable to perform inspections at other non-approved premises.

What days and times are your inspection sites open?

The Brisbane site is open from 7am to 3pm Monday to Friday. Vehicles can only be dropped off on the day of inspection and must be collected 2 days after inspection. Vehicles parked prior to and after inspection in the Brisbane carpark will be towed out and storage charges will apply. Other sites are operated on a roster basis and not open 5 days a week every week. You would need to contact Administration staff to obtain further details. The booking page of our website provides the times and dates available for inspections. All sites are normally closed on public holidays although this may vary in regional areas.

Motorcycle inspection information

Please ensure you bring suitable equipment so you can load and unload your motorcycle safely. We do not store this type of equipment at site or offer this type of service. Please also ensure you wear closed toe shoes as part of our site safety rules.

Does my vehicle require an inspection?

Queensland Inspection Services only inspects vehicles which are then currently listed as a ‘repairable write-off’ on NEVDIS, the Australian national registration system. Queensland Inspection Services does not conduct checks for members of the public to determine this. You will need to visit www.ppsr.gov.au and conduct a check using the vehicle’s VIN number to determine if it needs an inspection. The result of this check will tell you if the vehicle is then listed as a repairable write-off. Queensland Inspection Services recommend you use this government website as it is cheaper than private/commercial websites. If the result indicates that the vehicle has already been previously inspected in New South Wales, you may still require an inspection to register your vehicle in Queensland. The way to determine this is to attend your local Transport and Main Roads customer service centre with the vehicle details and they will advise you.

Why would my vehicle need another inspection in Queensland if it has already been inspected in New South Wales?

In New South Wales some vehicles in areas where full inspections were not available could be re-registered on a lower level identify check. This was called a 'blue slip' and is not accepted by other states in place of a written-off vehicle inspection. Vehicles that have been issued a 'blue slip' are required to undergo a full written-off vehicle inspection before they can be registered in Queensland or other states.

Why does my vehicle require an inspection?

If your vehicle has been listed as a repairable write-off it must undergo a WOVI inspection before it can be re-registered anywhere in Australia. These inspections are required under State legislation, in Queensland this legislation came into place in 2002.

I have bought a vehicle with little or no damage but it is listed as a Statutory Write-off, can I get it inspected and registered?

No, only a vehicle listed as a repairable write-off can undergo a WOVI inspection and be re-registered. Queensland Inspection Services cannot assist you in any way in relation to a Statutory write-off vehicle. Any questions about Statutory write-off vehicles can only be dealt with via either the Transport authority in the State in which the notification was made, or with the insurance company or other entity who made the notification. For more information on this and on the use of parts from Statutory write-off vehicles please see our parts section of the FAQ or go to https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/vehicle-safety/written-off-vehicles/about

Why is my vehicle listed as a repairable write-off?

This normally occurs when an insurance company has assessed a vehicle involved in some kind of incident, and the insurance company determines that it should be reported. Notifications can also be made by auction houses, vehicle wreckers, and private persons on their own vehicles after an incident occurs. Queensland Inspection Services does not make notifications on repairable write-off vehicles itself so is not responsible for any notification having been made previously.

I bought my vehicle from interstate. Will this cause any issues?

If the vehicle was written-off in a State other than Queensland, there will normally be a delay in the transfer of the damage information onto the Queensland system. This will normally be no more than about 3 days, however in a small number of cases it can take significantly longer than that. In these isolated incidents your inspection may need to be delayed.

Can you tell me what the nature of the damage is that is listed on the repairable write-off register?

The information on a repairable write-off vehicle is provided under confidential provisions by Transport and Main Roads to Queensland Inspection Services and unfortunately we are unable to release that to the public. We are also not able to help you with these details if you are wanting to know prior to purchasing such a vehicle. You may access any information available via www.ppsr.gov.au Further to this, we are unable to divulge information on previous inspections from customers files. Queensland Inspection Services cannot amend the damage information listed against a vehicle should you believe it is incorrect. This would need to be addressed with either a State Transport authority or the insurance company or entity who made the notification. Queensland Inspection Services can only either pass or fail a vehicle after the inspection is completed.

Once my vehicle is inspected and passed, will I be able to register it the same day?

The WOVR restriction for a repairable write-off vehicle exists on NEVDIS, the National registration system based interstate. A pass entered into the system by Queensland Inspection Services does not update NEVDIS until overnight, so you will not be able to register your vehicle until the following working day.

My vehicle is over 15 years old so why does it need an inspection?

The requirement for an inspection is determined on the age of the vehicle at the time of the write-off incident, even though this may have been some years ago when the vehicle may have been newer, it is not based on the current date today. Further to this, the 15 year rule back dates to January of the same year of production, so for example, a vehicle manufactured in April 2002 will still be entered onto the WOVR until the end of 2017. Once a vehicle has been deemed a repairable write-off, regardless of its age it will remain on the WOVR until it passes a WOVI.

Are my airbags defective? How do I check?

There is an Australia-wide compulsory airbag safety recall for some Takata branded airbags. The airbag recall does not affect all Takata airbags. Two types of Takata airbags, alpha and beta have been identified as defective and are being recalled. For more information go to https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/vehicle-safety/airbag-recall/airbag-safety-recall

Can my vehicle PASS a WOVI with an outstanding airbag recall?

No. All airbag recalls must be cleared by the OEM Dealer (original manufacturer) prior to passing a written-off vehicle inspection.

Can I use second hand airbags and SRS components?

Second-hand airbags can be used provided they are not sourced from a written-off vehicle that is water, smoke or fire damaged, and not subject to a recall for a defective Takata airbag. You can't use imported SRS items from any supplier including the OEM. The identity of the donor vehicle must be provided so the source of the used airbag can be verified.

Any other questions?

Please email us your full list of queries to adminqis@wovi.com.au with a return telephone number.

Do you have a question that isn't here?

If you wish you can give us a call on 1300 722 411 or fill out our short enquiry form on our contact us page. You can also directly email us via adminqis@wovi.com.au
Make an Enquiry