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A practical South Africa guide for fleet managers: when to sell or repair accident vehicles, step-by-step sale process, paperwork tips and ways to maximise offers.
Managing accident-written-off or non-running fleet vehicles creates operational and financial headaches. Whether you run a small delivery fleet in Cape Town, a corporate fleet in Johannesburg, or maintenance vehicles in Durban, understanding the options for disposal helps you recover value, reduce storage costs and stay compliant with South African regulations. This guide explains when to sell versus repair, how a streamlined online sale works, and what practical steps fleet managers should take to protect value and simplify administration.
Specialist vehicle buyers accept cars in any condition, handle free towing and paperwork (including deregistration), and access salvage markets that private buyers and trade-in channels typically do not. For fleets, this reduces downtime, frees up space, and avoids administrative complexity when multiple vehicles are involved.
Deciding whether to repair or sell an accident vehicle depends on repair cost, remaining vehicle value, downtime impact and insurance recovery. For fleets, also include replacement lead time and operational cost per day while the vehicle is out of service.
| Scenario | When to consider selling | When to consider repairing |
|---|---|---|
| Structural damage / written-off | If repair exceeds a large portion of market value or causes prolonged downtime | If insurer covers repairs quickly and vehicle has critical custom fit-outs |
| Mechanical failure, non-running | If repairs are unclear or costly and quick replacement is cheaper | If the vehicle is newer and repair restores full service life |
| Minor cosmetic / bumper damage | Rarely - sell only if fleet turnover or book value favours disposal | Usually repair to preserve resale value |
Practical example: If a delivery van in Johannesburg needs R40,000 in repairs and the market resale value post-repair is R110,000, compare repair cost, downtime losses (e.g. R1,200/day), and salvage sale options. For many fleets, selling to a specialist for immediate cash and free towing reduces total loss and administrative burden.
| Damage Type | Typical repair cost (R) | Estimated value retained post-repair (R) |
|---|---|---|
| Front-end collision | R15,000-R80,000 | R60,000-R200,000 (varies by make/model) |
| Structural / frame repair | R40,000-R150,000+ | Often significantly reduced resale value |
| Mechanical (engine/gearbox) | R10,000-R80,000 | Depends on age; newer fleets retain more value |
These figures are illustrative ranges for South Africa and depend on vehicle age, make, and local labour/parts costs. Use them when modelling fleet disposal scenarios.
For fleets wanting a fast sale of non-running vehicles, consider how to sell non-running fleet vehicles fast to streamline recovery.
A specialist buyer simplifies fleet disposals by standardising inspection, valuation, paperwork and collection. A typical workflow for multiple vehicles looks like this.
When selling fleet vehicles, confirm outstanding finance, ensure the registered owner signs transfer documents, and obtain a written receipt. If a vehicle is under finance, notify the lender - many specialist buyers can liaise with financiers to settle encumbrances. Deregistration and transfer paperwork must comply with South African registration requirements; professional buyers often offer to handle these steps to reduce risk for your business.
| Item | What to check |
|---|---|
| Outstanding finance | Obtain lender consent or settle as required; buyer can often assist. |
| Registration / licence disc | Ensure documents are available for transfer; note if vehicle is deregistered. |
| Written agreements | Get a clear invoice and receipt stating buyer collected vehicle and confirmed payment. |
After collection, the buyer typically finalises transfer paperwork, deregisters the vehicle if required, and pays the agreed amount to your business account. For fleets, request consolidated invoices and receipts showing each vehicle's VIN and the payment applied. If any unexpected issues arise, follow up immediately using the buyer's escalation contacts and keep documentation on file for audit purposes.
Nationwide coverage means vehicle collection from major metros (Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban) and regional depots. Example scenario: a small Johannesburg courier operator with three written-off vehicles can submit details for all three, accept offers within 24-48 hours, and arrange a single collection to clear yard space and receive consolidated payment in Rands.
Seasoned automotive specialists dedicated to helping you turn your damaged or non-running vehicle into cash fast and hassle-free.
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only. Product availability, pricing, and specifications are subject to change. Always verify current details on the retailer's website before making a purchase. We may earn affiliate commissions from qualifying purchases.
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