NZ Insurance Write-Offs Explained — And What to Do Next

Your insurer has "written off" your car — and suddenly you've got questions. What does that mean? Who owns it now? Can you sell it? Here's the plain-English version for New Zealand, and how to turn a written-off vehicle into cash.

What "written off" actually means

A car is written off when the insurer decides it's uneconomic or unsafe to repair — either the repair cost exceeds a set proportion of the car's value, or the damage is too severe. It doesn't always mean a total wreck; sometimes a repairable car is written off simply because the economics don't stack up for the insurer.

Who owns the car after a write-off?

This decides whether you can sell it:

• If the insurer pays you out, the vehicle usually becomes their property — they take the wreck. You can't sell a car you no longer own.
• If you keep the car (some payouts let you retain it for a reduced settlement), ownership stays with you — and you're free to sell it, including to us.
• If it was never insured, or you're not claiming, it's yours to sell as-is.

Can a written-off car go back on the road?

Generally not without a costly re-certification, and for many write-offs it's not permitted. That's why selling a written-off vehicle to a wrecker for parts and metal is usually the sensible move.

A written-off car still has value

"Written off" doesn't mean "worthless." A front-end crash might leave a perfect engine, gearbox, doors and electronics — all in demand as used parts. We assess the whole vehicle: reusable parts, salvageable components and recyclable metal. Most fall between $300 and $9,990. See our guide on selling wrecked cars in Nelson.

How to sell a written-off car

Confirm you own it, gather your ID and paperwork, and get a quote. We'll assess it, make a cash offer, collect it free anywhere in Nelson, complete the NZTA change of ownership with you, and pay on the spot. Call 0800 600 080.