What's the difference between a statutory write-off and a repairable write-off, and does it affect scrap value?
Short answer: A statutory write-off is deemed too damaged or unsafe to ever be registered again and can only be sold for parts or scrap, while a repairable write-off can legally be repaired and re-registered after passing inspection — this distinction matters for scrap value because a repairable write-off may attract buyers interested in restoring it (sometimes at a better price than pure scrap), while a statutory write-off is destined for parts and metal recovery only.
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List Free →Statutory write-offs
These are vehicles deemed by an insurer or regulator to be beyond safe or economical repair — by law, they cannot be re-registered for road use again, meaning their value going forward is limited to parts and scrap metal recovery.
Repairable write-offs
These have sustained enough damage to be written off by an insurer but are still legally repairable and re-registerable, generally requiring a formal inspection before returning to the road — this category can attract buyers looking to repair and resell rather than only scrap, sometimes changing the value equation.
What this means when scrapping
Knowing which category your vehicle falls into (checkable via your state’s written-off vehicle register) helps you understand who’s actually in the market for it — a pure scrap buyer for a statutory write-off, versus potentially a wider pool including repairers for a repairable one.
How ScrapTrade Makes This Easier
ScrapTrade connects you with the right kind of buyer for your vehicle’s actual status, rather than assuming every damaged vehicle is only worth pure scrap value.
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