How to Spot a Written-Off or Flood-Damaged Car

 Buying a second-hand car in Australia is a smart choice if you want to save money. But you have to be careful. Some cars may look fine on the outside but have big problems inside. These problems can come from being written-off or damaged by flood.


A written-off or flood-damaged car can be unsafe to drive. It can also cost you a lot in repairs. In this blog, we will show you how to spot a written-off or flood-damaged car and how to avoid buying one.

What Is a Written-Off Car?

A written-off car is a car that was badly damaged in an accident or disaster. It’s called a “write-off” because the cost to fix it is more than the car’s value.

There are two types of write-offs:

  • Statutory Write-Off: Too damaged to repair. Can never be registered again.

  • Repairable Write-Off: Can be fixed and re-registered, but must pass checks.

To know if a car is written-off, do a VIN Check or PPSR Search before you buy.

What Is a Flood-Damaged Car?

A flood-damaged car is a car that was under water during a flood. Water can damage the engine, wiring, seats, and brakes. Even if the car looks okay, it may not be safe.

Flood damage can lead to:

  • Rust and corrosion

  • Electrical problems

  • Mould and bad smells

  • Brake and steering issues

Some flood-damaged cars are fixed and sold without proper checks. This is why a history report is so important.

How to Spot a Written-Off or Flood-Damaged Car

Here are some simple signs to help you spot a car that may be written-off or flood-damaged.

1. Check the PPSR Report

The best way to start is with a PPSR Check $2. It tells you if the car:

  • Has been written-off

  • Was in a flood

  • Is stolen or under finance

You just need the car’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number).
Not sure how to do this? Use this step-by-step guide:
👉 How to Do a Quick PPSR or VIN Check Before You Buy

2. Look for Signs of Water Damage

Flood-damaged cars may have:

  • Musty smell inside

  • Wet or mouldy carpet

  • Foggy headlights

  • Waterlines in the engine or boot

  • Rust in strange places (like seat rails)

Use a torch to check under the seats and carpet. Also, lift the boot liner and look for water marks.

3. Check for Unusual Rust or Mud

Rust is normal in old cars, but rust in strange spots is a red flag. Look for:

  • Rust on seat frames, pedals, or door hinges

  • Mud inside the glove box or behind panels

  • Dirty or silt-covered engine parts

These signs often mean the car was in a flood.

4. Check the Paint Job and Body Panels

If the car was written-off, it may have had big repairs. Look at the panels to see if:

  • The paint looks patchy or too new

  • Gaps between doors or panels are uneven

  • There are signs of welding or repairs

Poor repair jobs are a clue the car had serious damage before.

5. Test the Electronics

Water and wires don’t mix well. Flood-damaged cars often have electrical problems. Turn on:

  • Headlights

  • Wipers

  • Air con and heater

  • Radio and windows

If anything doesn’t work or flickers, that’s a bad sign.

6. Get a Mechanic to Inspect It

If you’re not sure, ask a trusted mechanic to check the car. They can spot hidden damage and tell you if it’s worth buying.

It might cost a little money, but it could save you thousands later.

7. Check the Car’s History Online

Before you buy, look up the car’s past. Use tools like:

✅ VIN Check
✅ REVS Check
✅ PPSR Search
✅ Car History Check

They tell you if the car:

  • Has been written-off

  • Is under finance

  • Has been stolen

These checks only take a few minutes.

Don’t Make the Same Mistakes

Many Aussies buy a second-hand car too quickly and forget to check these things. Don’t let that happen to you.

Here’s a guide to help you avoid common mistakes:
👉 Top Mistakes Aussies Make When Buying Used Cars

And if this is your first car, check out:
👉 Second-Hand Car Buying Guide for First-Time Buyers

Final Tips Before You Buy

✅ Always do a VIN and PPSR check
✅ Check for signs of water or rust
✅ Test all the electronics
✅ Ask for a full history report
✅ Get a professional inspection

Buying a second-hand car doesn’t have to be scary. Just take your time, ask questions, and do your checks. A safe car is a smart car!

Ready to start?
👉 VIN Check
👉 REVS Check
👉 $2 PPSR Check

These tools help make sure you’re not buying a written-off or flood-damaged car.

Stay smart. Stay safe. Drive happy.

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