Written-off vehicle inspections
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 legimitate. This is to combat the illegal use of vehicle identifiers and to stop the re-birthing of stolen vehicles.
Where can I get a written-off vehicle inspection?
Queensland Inspection Services do written-off vehicle inspections. They have sites in Brisbane, Bundaberg, Cairns, Gold Coast, Mackay, Rockhampton, Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba and Townsville. To get more information or make a booking, contact Queensland Inspection Services on 1300 722 411y.
What is the process to get a written-off vehicle inspection?
Each inspection must be booked at least 24 hours in advance. When booking an inspection, the vehicle's details, including the vehicle identification number (VIN) make, model, colour and registration number must be provided.
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, such as a Queensland driver licence.
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.
What documents are required?
On the day of the inspection you will be required to provide:
Failure to provide some documentation could result in delays during the vehicle inspection.
How long will the inspection take?
You must drop the vehicle off to the inspection site on the morning of the appointment—you are not allowed to be present during the inspection process. The inspection, on average, takes 1 day. The examiner will contact you when the vehicle is ready to be collected. If more time is required to complete the inspection, you may have to leave the vehicle at the inspection site for longer.
What is the difference between a safety inspection and a written-off vehicle inspection?
A safety inspection confirms the vehicle is roadworthy—this is decided by specific test criteria to measure roadworthiness.
The written-off vehicle inspection is a thorough and detailed analysis of the identity and history of the vehicle to ensure its identity is legitimate. The inspection includes an analysis of the vehicle's history and repair documents. If there is any doubt or inconsistencies with the vehicle's identity, history or documentation, the vehicles are referred to the Queensland Police Service for further inspection. The Queensland Police Service may undertake a detailed forensic inspection on the vehicle to confirm its legitimate identity.
How much does the inspection cost?
Queensland Inspection Services fees are $450 for cars and $350 for motorbikes and trailers.
These fees are comparable to equivalent inspections in other states with flat fees of $484 in Victoria, $497.50 in the Australian Capital Territory and $445 in New South Wales.
Note: Previoulsy in New South Wales some vehicles, in areas where full inspections were not available, could be re-registered on a lower level 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.
The written-off vehicle inspection service is provided by Queensland Inspection Services who are the approved contractor to us to provide these inspections across Queensland. The fee was determined as part of the contract. The department followed a formal and open procurement process through the calling of public tenders. Queensland Inspection Services were successful in being awarded this contract following detailed assessment of tenders received. This included the capacity of the tendered to provide the inspection service across Queensland.
The written-off vehicle inspection process requires a considerable investment in staff, facilities, equipment and insurances. Queensland Inspection Services is required to mitigate its risks in dealing with organised and professional vehicle theft activities. 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.
