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Documents Needed to Sell a Salvage Vehicle in SA - Paperwork Checklist

Overview: Documents needed to sell a salvage vehicle in SA

Selling a salvage or written-off vehicle in South Africa requires clear proof of ownership, identity and any insurer or finance paperwork. The exact set of documents depends on whether the vehicle is insured, under finance, stolen or deregistered. This guide lists the most common documents, explains why each matters, and shows how to prepare them to speed up valuation and transfer.

Core documents every seller should have

South African ID or company registration documents (CK/CO) to prove the seller’s identity.
Vehicle registration document/logbook (if available) showing the registered owner.
Any insurer documentation confirming the vehicle’s write-off status (insurer settlement letter or write-off declaration).
Proof of settlement or clearance if the vehicle is under finance (a settlement letter from the financier or bank). If the vehicle is still financed, you will usually need written permission from the finance house to sell.
A valid police case number if the vehicle was reported as stolen or if a police report was required for an insurer.
Any maintenance or service records, keys and spare keys, and recent photographs of the vehicle and damage - these help buyers verify condition and speed up offers.

Quick note: If you lack the logbook, a combination of ID, an insurer letter and a history of payments or a municipal licence disk can often support proof of ownership. Our team can advise on acceptable alternatives during valuation.

Why each document matters for a salvage sale

Buyers and salvage traders need to confirm legal ownership, outstanding finance, and whether the write-off was declared by an insurer. Missing paperwork can delay payment, slow collection, or reduce offers because buyers factor in admin and legal risk. Where relevant, obtain a settlement letter from the financier before you accept an offer.

Practical checklist before you start

Gather ID and proof of ownership and scan or photograph them clearly.
Find any insurer correspondence that confirms the vehicle's write-off status.
If the vehicle is under finance, contact the finance house early to request a settlement or permission to transfer.
Take clear photos of damage and general condition to attach to valuation forms.

Repair cost vs value retained (example estimates)

Typical repair cost (R)	Estimated value retained after repair (%)	Why it matters
R5,000 - R20,000	60%-85%	Minor panel and bumper repairs can retain most value; paperwork still important.
R20,000 - R60,000	30%-60%	Structural or major mechanical repairs reduce resale appeal and increase buyer caution.
R60,000+	10%-40%	Extensive frame or flood damage usually classifies a vehicle as salvage; many sellers choose to sell as written-off.

Estimates above are illustrative for South Africa and should be treated as ranges. Actual retained value depends on model, age, mileage and salvage market demand.

If you want to understand the full service process and what we handle for you, see our How it works page for a step-by-step explanation. For examples of the types of vehicles we buy, review the Sell Damaged Cars page.

When you need special documents or extra checks

Certain situations require additional paperwork or checks before a salvage sale can proceed:

Under-finance vehicles: a written settlement letter or transfer permission from the finance house is typically required.
Stolen or recovered vehicles: a police report and clearance from the SA Police Service may be necessary.
Imported or rebuilt-titled vehicles: customs documentation and any rebuild certificates should be available.
Vehicles with outstanding traffic fines or licences: these can complicate transfer; resolving them before sale speeds the process.

Damage types vs typical offer impact

Damage type	Typical impact on offer	Documentation that helps
Minor panel damage	Low to moderate downward adjustment	Photos, repair estimates, logbook
Structural/frame damage	Significant reduction; often classed as salvage	Insurer write-off letter, damage report, photos
Flood or fire damage	Major reduction; specialised buyers only	Insurer declaration, full photos, ownership docs

How to present documents for a faster sale

Create clear digital copies of ID, logbook and insurer letters and attach them to your valuation form.
Label files (e.g., ID_surname.jpg, insurer_settlement.pdf) to avoid back-and-forth during verification.
If you are a business or fleet owner, include company registration (CK) and authorised signatory proof.

Sell Your Damaged Car offers free towing and handles paperwork including deregistration and admin checks nationwide - this can be especially helpful if your paperwork is partial or the vehicle is under finance. For guidance on selling non-running vehicles, see our Sell Non-Running Car page. For an overview of our service and what we verify, visit our homepage.

What happens after you submit documents

Once documents are submitted along with vehicle details and photos, a valuation team will verify ownership, check for finance or police flags, and confirm write-off status. Any missing documents will be requested; resolving finance or transfer queries before collection avoids delays. Where we collect, we typically manage deregistration and transfer admin so sellers do not need to visit traffic departments.

Practical South Africa-specific tips

Keep insurer correspondence - an insurer write-off letter often speeds acceptance by salvage buyers in SA.
If the vehicle is under finance, request a settlement figure in writing; buyers will need that document to complete payment and transfer.
For metro areas such as Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban, ensure you note where the vehicle will be collected from; free towing is commonly offered nationwide but confirming access helps scheduling.

Documents Needed to Sell a Salvage Vehicle in SA - Paperwork Checklist

Essential Paperwork

Prepare Digital Copies

Special Cases Need Extra Docs

Overview: Documents needed to sell a salvage vehicle in SA

Core documents every seller should have

Why each document matters for a salvage sale

Practical checklist before you start

Repair cost vs value retained (example estimates)

When you need special documents or extra checks

Damage types vs typical offer impact

How to present documents for a faster sale

What happens after you submit documents

Practical South Africa-specific tips

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What documents do I need to sell my damaged car?

What documents do I need to sell my damaged car?

My car still has a finance bond or outstanding loan - can you buy it?

My car still has a finance bond or outstanding loan - can you buy it?

How do you handle transfer of ownership and deregistration for non-running or written-off vehicles?

How do you handle transfer of ownership and deregistration for non-running or written-off vehicles?

Are there tax or VAT obligations I should be aware of when selling my damaged car?

Are there tax or VAT obligations I should be aware of when selling my damaged car?

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