How to Get a Refund on Car Rego if Your Vehicle is Written Off

Get Refund on Car Rego if Your Vehicle is Written Off

Some of your hard-earned dollars as a vehicle owner will go towards car registration fees. Would you believe it if we told you that you may receive some of them back? If you’ve sold your car, changed your mind about purchasing one, or no longer need it on the roads, you may be entitled to a refund on your vehicle registration.
Melbourne Cash For Carz has got you covered with their easy-to-follow guide. It outlines the steps you must take in each Australian state to get your money back. With refund options and clever advice available, we make it as simple as going down the highway.

Can Your Refunds Car Rego Across Australian States

Car registration, commonly known as “rego,” serves as a crucial document that identifies your vehicle, often mirrored in your vehicle’s number plates. It’s a legal requirement across all Australian states to maintain a valid registration for your vehicle, registered under the name of its owner.

However, circumstances may arise where you need to cancel your registration, particularly if your car has been declared a write-off. In such situations, understanding the avenues available for obtaining a rego refund becomes essential.

What is a Written-off Car?

A written-off car, sometimes referred to as an unregistered vehicle, is a vehicle that has suffered extensive damage, rendering it unsafe or impractical to repair and return to the road. This can occur due to accidents, vandalism, natural disasters, or other unfortunate events. Essentially, when the cost of repairing the vehicle exceeds its assessed value, insurance companies may classify it as a write-off. In such cases, the vehicle may be salvaged for parts or disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner.

How to Cancel Your Rego

Canceling your vehicle registration, or “rego,” is a simple process that involves notifying the relevant authorities and surrendering your vehicle’s number plates. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

  • Prepare Documentation: Gather any necessary documents, such as your vehicle registration certificate and proof of identity.
  • Visit Transport Authority: Visit your state’s transport authority website or office to access the registration cancellation form.
  • Complete Form: Fill out the registration cancellation form with accurate information about yourself and your vehicle.
  • Submit Form: Submit the completed form along with any required documentation to the transport authority.
  • Surrender Number Plates: Once your registration is canceled, surrender your vehicle’s number plates to the transport authority or a designated location.

Car Rego Refund in NSW

In New South Wales (NSW), you’re eligible for a refund of the unused portion of your car registration. To claim this refund, you must cancel your current registration before its expiry date. A cancellation fee will be deducted from your final refund amount.

According to guidelines outlined by the NSW Government and their vehicle registration guide, if your car is written off, you can apply for a rego refund. However, this refund will only be granted if you provide the service centre with an original letter from either the police or your insurance company detailing the incident and its date. This policy also extends to cases of vehicle theft.

Car Rego Refund in VIC

In Victoria, managed by VicRoads, you may want to consider cancelling your registration and applying for a refund under various circumstances. These include situations such as selling an unregistered vehicle, having your car stolen or damaged, registering your vehicle interstate, or if it’s deemed unsafe to drive or has been written off cars.

Refunds in Victoria cover only the unused portion of your registration fees. Typically, if your car is written off, your insurance company will handle the rego refund as part of your payout. However, it’s advisable to follow up with your insurance provider for confirmation. You can cancel your registration online or in person through VicRoads.

Car Rego Refund in QLD

The Queensland Government offers refunds for car registration upon cancellation. This refund applies to the unused portion of your registration fees and compulsory third party insurance premium, with a cancellation fee deducted from the final refunded amount.

Insurance companies usually handle rego refunds for written-off vehicles in QLD. To ensure you follow the correct process, your insurance provider will update the registration details of the written-off vehicle. You’ll then need to complete a cancellation of registration form, which may allow you to backdate your refund to the day following the accident, provided you declare it through the form. Remember to provide documentation confirming the accident date, such as a police report and your vehicle’s registration.

Car Rego Refund in SA

In South Australia (SA), obtaining a refund for car registration involves an online application process. Through this process, you can claim the unused portion of your registration fees for a vehicle you have either sold or lost.

According to South Australia’s vehicle registration process, a pro-rate refund is calculated based on the remaining registration fee. However, keep in mind that a $20 administration fee is typically deducted from the refundable amount.

Car Rego Refund in TAS

In Tasmania, the government’s transport services recommend cancelling your registration before its expiry date to receive a rego refund. This refund is calculated pro rata and covers the unused portion of your registration.

For vehicles that have been written off, you’ll need to submit written confirmation from your insurance company or a police report indicating the accident date before your rego can be refunded.

Can you get a refund for partial car rego?

In all states across Australia, you can apply for a refund for the unused portion of your motor vehicle tax. Hence, whether your car has been written off, stolen, or you’re looking to sell, you can get back a partial refund for your unused registration. You will likely need to provide supporting documentation that proves your registration number and insurance payout.

Can you get a refund for car registration when selling the vehicle?

If you’ve paid for registration but want to sell your car, you can do so and receive a refund for the unused portion. When you apply through your state government’s transportation service, they will offer you a pro rata refund that takes into account the remaining portion of your registration and its official expiry date. While each state has different rules for their refund amount and guidelines, you can expect to get back some of the money you spent on registration. Similarly, this is the same case with damaged cars.

If you own a damaged or salvaged vehicle that you’re looking to sell, look no further than Melbourne Cash For Carz. We specialise in buying damaged vehicles, giving you the chance to cash in your rego tension-free