Salvage Car Title Information

Salvage titles are issued for a vehicle when the total estimated damage
is from 75% to 91% of its pre-damaged cash value.

Salvage vehicles can be any that have been declared a total loss from Fire, Vandalism, Collision, Theft or Flood.  The vehicle owner's insurance company will determine the amount of damage to the vehicle.  Each state has it own laws as far as salvage titles are concerned.

Salvage titles for totaled cars or trucks are required to be obtained by Insurance companies when retained by them in some states. Insurance companies obtain the salvage title from the state department of motor vehicles (DMVS) where it was registered but only in states that require salvage titles. Some states don't. In the states that don't require a salvage title the insurance company will get a regular title for the totaled vehicle. Salvage and regular title totaled vehicles will end up back on the road.

 

There's no way for buyers to know for sure the history of all used vehicle. States have broadly different laws regarding rebuilding of vehicles, damage disclosure and salvage titling.

Rebuilt vehicles that started as salvage titled can jump from state to state, receiving new titles "cleaned" of any past problems.

Failure by sellers to disclose prior damage is one of the leading reasons buyers can be ripped off in purchasing used vehicles. To try to protect yourself.

  • Test drive a used car.
  • Take it to an auto technician and/or a body shop you trust for an inspection before you buy.
  • Never buy a used car from a dealer or person who will not let you test drive it.
  • Check out the history of a vehicle before buying.
  • Review the front and back of the most recent title and any damage disclosure or odometer statements, if available, for indications of problems.
  • Ask if the seller can provide the name, address and telephone number of the prior owner and, if so, contact the prior owner for information about the vehicle.

Passenger vehicles over ten (10) years old are exempt from the Salvage title laws in some states.

Salvage title classification should be permanent and remain a part of the vehicle history. Salvage titled vehicles should never be issued a Clear title.

For more information about motor vehicles sales... contact the  Division of Consumer Protection in your state. See List

Salvage title Information from:

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Salvage Car Title Information