Apply to repair a written-off light vehicle

Introduction

To repair a written-off light vehicle in NSW you need to obtain an 'Authorisation to Repair' from Transport for NSW (TfNSW).

If the authorisation is issued, the damage affecting the vehicle’s structural integrity and safety must be repaired according to manufacturer’s guidelines (or to recognised industry standards if there are no manufacturer’s guidelines).

Eligibility

TfNSW will only consider an application for an Authorisation to Repair if:

• the vehicle has not suffered damage specified in the Statutory write-off assessment criteria, and:
  • the vehicle only has hail damage and you were the registered operator at the time of the incident (where hail-damaged written-off  light vehicles does not apply), or
  • you were the registered operator of the vehicle for more than 28 days before it was damaged, or
  • you inherited the vehicle from the registered operator.

What you need

• a completed Declaration of Vehicle Damage – PDF (obtained from the insurer/assessor)
• your driver licence number or customer number
• your vehicle details (including make, model and VIN)
• supporting evidence that you are eligible
• the PDF form – ‘Application to repair a written-off light vehicle’.

How to apply

1. Check the eligibility requirements. 
2. Select the 'Download PDF form' button.
3. Complete the application form.
4. Attach all the required documents.
5. Submit your application by post or email to the details on the form.

If your application is approved TfNSW will send you an Authorisation to Repair. 

More information

• If you're intending to repair the vehicle yourself, keep all information to do with the repair process, such as invoices and receipts for parts. They'll be required when you have the vehicle inspected, prior to registration. Note: Light trucks must be repaired by a licensed repairer.
• A 'hail-damaged written-off light vehicle' is a notifiable vehicle that:
  • has been assessed as a total loss by an assessor
  • only has hail damage
  • is retained by the registered operator
  • has been recorded on the written-off light vehicles register (WOLVR) as an 'inspected written-off light vehicle'.
• A vehicle that meets the hail-damaged written-off light vehicle criteria will not have its registration cancelled and there is no requirement to obtain an authorisation to repair from TfNSW.