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simee2

I purchased a car privately and was curious as to why it has a new number plate fitted on it. I found out in the report the previous registration was cancelled , written off by insurer. The seller did not disclose this information to me. I am concerned about the value of the vehicle being significantly impacted if I want to sell the vehicle myself. What are my options? Is there any way I can find out what caused the vehicle to be written off?

Anon

Hi there,
As the damage happened in NZ, there is generally no record in the system as to the cause/ extent of the damage (only if it was imported and flagged as a damaged vehicle will it be in the system) All reports will show that the registration was cancelled, and possibly point to a stat write -off. Only a panel beater or insurance report will indicate the extent of the damage, but this is private information and you may not be able to access any of it.