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The following is for informational purposes only

Salvage Title

Salvage Title

There are a few different types of branded titles you may come across in your search for the perfect used car. To learn the meaning of salvage title and how it may affect you, keep reading.

What is a Salvage Title?

If, while shopping, you saw the term “salvage title”, you may wonder what does salvage title mean? A salvage title vehicle has suffered major damage, and an insurance company declared that the cost to fix it was more expensive than its current value. When they do this, they call the vehicle a “total loss.” The state’s Department of Motor Vehicles then issues it a new title with salvage stamped on it. The new title is one of many branded titles for cars that are not “clean”.

Typically, when a car has been in a collision and suffers significant damage, the insurance company will declare it a total loss. They will take ownership and sell it at auction or with a salvage dealer. In most states, salvage title cars cannot be registered or driven until repaired.

Each state has different criteria for determining when a car requires a salvage vehicle. In some states, if the damage is 75% of the car’s value, then it must be declared a total loss. In other states, that percentage might be relaxed or higher.

Some of the types of damage that deem a car worthy of a salvage title are:

  • Flood - If the car has been in water for more than two days, an insurance company will mark it as a total loss/salvage vehicle.
  • Fire - If the car suffers damage from a fire, the insurance company will also declare it a total loss. Some fire damage may not be that bad and easy to fix.
  • TheftA car that is stolen and lost for a number of days may be re-branded as salvage.
  • Hail - Cars damaged by hail (which could be only superficial) are often called a total loss and branded as salvage title cars.
  • Vandalism - If criminals damage a car to a significant degree, the insurance company will declare it a total loss, and it will be branded with a salvage title.

Is it Worth Buying a Car with a Salvage Title?

what is a salvage title

Another question to consider when shopping for an inexpensive used car would be, is a salvage title bad? Not necessarily.

The car may appear dented and bruised, but it’s difficult to say how extensive the damage might be inside. If you are searching for a used car that will run great and has no cosmetic flaws, a salvage title car is probably not your best bet.

However, if you are handy with tools and like to fix automobiles, it might be cheaper to purchase a car with a salvage title. It depends on your level of commitment and whether you are willing to deal with the hidden issues once you get started. Depending on the cause of the damage, you could get a great used car for a cheap price.

If you are searching for a used car to buy for spare parts or scrap metal, then a salvage title car is the perfect option!

The Pros and Cons of Buying a Salvage Title Car

Before deciding to take the risk on a salvage title car, consider these pros and cons first.

Pros

  • Salvage cars are typically considerably less expensive than their counterparts with clean titles.
  • You might get lucky and find one with minimal damage that runs great.

Cons

  • The damage could be significant, and you might not find out until later.
  • It may cost a lot to repair it, and you could spend more on this “inexpensive” salvage car than one with a clean title.
  • You might not be able to insure it.
  • A salvage title is forever, and you may have trouble selling it when it comes time.

Can You Get a Clean Title from a Salvage Title?

No. Once a car has been branded with a salvage title, that will follow it for the rest of the car’s useful life. However, there is one exception. If someone buys a salvage title car and fixes it up restoring it to perfect working condition, they can apply to have it rebranded a “rebuilt title.” That will then replace the salvage title, and anyone who purchases it will know it was once a salvage title and was repaired.

What is Title Washing and How to Avoid It?

salvage title

Please put above the car the title “Vehicle History Check” and a search box with “Enter you VIN” in it

Something you need to be aware of when shopping for a used car is, title washing. Since branded title laws vary from state to state, criminals often move a salvage title car from one state to another and sell it as a “clean” car, and when the DMV issues a title, it will appear to be clean. However, this practice is illegal, and you as the consumer suffers.

Always perform a vehicle history check online using the car or truck’s VIN number to be sure you are getting a clean title car and not a salvage title vehicle that has been washed.

Tips for Buying a Salvage Title Car

There are situations where it makes sense to buy salvage title cars. If you own a junkyard or need a salvage car for parts to fix up another vehicle, then it makes perfect sense. However, if you plan to fix the car up and drive it yourself, you should follow these tips:

  • Have a good mechanic do a full inspection of the vehicle to know what you are getting into and how extensive the damage is.
  • Ask about the type of damage the car suffered. If the vehicle was totaled due to hail, fire, or flood, mechanically and electrically, it could run fine and just requires some cosmetic fixes.
  • Check reviews and ask around — only buy from a reputable salvage title car dealer.
  • Make sure your insurance company will insure the vehicle, and you can drive it legally according to your state’s laws.
  • Ask the insurance company for the original repair estimate to see what they determined was the cost to fix it.
  • Run a VIN number check online to see the car’s entire history to know all the facts before buying.

In many cases buying a salvage title car might be the best option for you!

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