Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a salvage bike?
A: The word salvage covers a variety of things, from accident damage, bikes which have been stolen but then later recovered, previously damaged bikes, finance repossesed, bikes which have a fault of some kind eg. An electrical problem, and bikes which need a little tlc either mechanical or cosmetic or both.
Q: Can anyone buy a salvage bike?
A: Yes.
Q: Are there any special checks that a salvage bike requires?
A: Yes. Some accident-damaged bikes will require a VIC.
Q: What is a VIC?
A: VIC stands for Vehicle Identity Check, it was introduced to help reduce vehicle crime, it is intended to deter criminals from disguising stolen vehicles as written off ones.
Q: How will I know if my bike requires a VIC?
A: When an insurance company writes off a vehicle, they assign it a category A, B, C or D, if your bike comes under category A, B or C, then it will require a VIC. Bikes in category D do not require a VIC.
(please note cars issued with either an A or B stamp cannot legally be put back on the road)
Q: If my bike passes a VIC does this mean it is roadworthy?
A: No it does not. The VIC only makes sure the information the DVLA has is correct i.e. make, model, colour and engine numbers all match.
Q: Where do I take my bike to get a VIC?
A: There are many testing stations around the country. Please go to the Motoring Directory section on our Home page for a full list of testing stations.
