Can you get a refund on car rego?

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Can you get a refund on car rego?
Sell Salvaged Vehicle
By
Doug Whiffin
Doug Whiffin
National Automotive Buyer and Second-In-Command Manager
February 10, 2023
5
minute read

With car registration being one of the most significant expenses of owning a vehicle, it’s only natural to wonder if there’s a way to get back some of the money spent. Whether you’ve sold your car, cancelled your registration or changed your mind about making a purchase, you may be eligible for a refund on your vehicle registration. 

In this comprehensive guide, the team at 1800 Salvage have outlined the steps you need to follow in each Australian state to get your money back. We’ll provide helpful tips on refund options and information to make the process as smooth as possible. 

Car registration refunds across Australian states 

Car registration is a document that identifies your vehicle and is often reflected in your vehicle’s number plates. It is mandatory in all Australian states to have a valid registration for your vehicle, and it must be in the name of the vehicle’s owner. 

However, there may be times when you need to cancel your registration, such as when your car has been written off. In this case, you’ll want to know your options for a rego refund in your state. 

Car rego refund in NSW 

In NSW, you are entitled to a refund of the unused portion of your car registration. To apply for a refund, you must cancel your current registration before the registration expiry date, and a cancellation fee will be deducted from this final refund. 

According to the NSW Government and their vehicle registration guide, if your car is written off, rego refund in NSW will only apply if you provide the service centre with an original letter from the police or insurance company that outlines the incident and its date. This is also applicable to stolen vehicles.   

Car rego refund in VIC 

According to VicRoads, you may want to cancel registration and apply for a refund for the following scenarios: 

  • You want to sell an unregistered vehicle
  • Your car has been stolen or damaged
  • You’ve registered your vehicle interstate
  • Your vehicle is not safe to drive or has been written off 

Refunds are only available for the unused portion of your registration. If your car is written off, a rego refund in Victoria is often claimed by your insurance company and included in your payout. However, it’s best to follow up with your insurance company for confirmation. Remember that you can cancel online or in person.  

Car rego refund in QLD

The Queensland Government offers car registration refunds upon cancellation. However, this is only applicable to the unused portion of your registration and compulsory third party insurance premium, with a cancellation fee deducted from the final amount you are refunded. 

Insurance companies typically take care of rego refunds for written off vehicles in QLD. To ensure you follow the correct process, your insurance provider will update the written-off vehicle’s registration details, and you will then need to complete a cancellation of registration form. You can also get your refund backdated to the day following the accident if you declare it through the form. 

Remember to provide documentation confirming the date of the accident, such as a police report and your vehicle’s registration. 

Car rego refund in SA

Getting a refund for car registration in South Australia requires an online application process where you can claim the unused portion from the registration of a vehicle you have sold or lost. 

According to South Australia’s vehicle registration process, a pro-rate refund is calculated based on the remaining registration fee. While you’re getting this money back, remember that a $20 administration fee is deducted from the amount refundable.  

Car rego refund in TAS

To receive a rego refund in Tasmania, the government’s transport services recommend that you or the registered operator of the vehicle cancel the registration before its expiry date. The refund will be calculated pro rata and will cover the unused portion of your registration. 

If your vehicle has been written off, you will need to submit confirmation in writing from your insurance company that shows proof of the accident or a police report that indicates its 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.

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