Salvage Title Cars: Should You Buy One?
What is a salvage title?
Most of the time, a salvage title means that a car has extensive damage that is close to or in excess of the car’s value. While the exact rules vary by state, they may have similarities. For example, Minnesota salvage title laws say that a salvage title is required for each of these situations.
- An insurance company purchases the damaged vehicle after paying a total loss claim
- The damage to a vehicle is more than 80% of its value and the owner of the vehicle is self-insured.
- A vehicle has an out-of-state salvage title
New York laws are similar, although there are some differences, including that repair costs must total 75% or more of the car’s pre-damage market value. In many states, a salvage title car cannot be driven on public roads. Check with your state department of motor vehicles or transportation agency to find out what is considered a rescue vehicle where you live. It is important to note that it is not just accidents that can cause a car to be totaled. Floods, fires, vandalism, theft, and other major events like hail storms can also cause damage that warrants a salvage title, depending on the state.
Are salvage titles bad?
Choosing a car with a salvage title can be dangerous if the car has not been properly repaired or rebuilt. States generally require a “rebuilt title” and inspection if the car has been repaired to ensure it is returned to roadworthy condition. But your safety could still be at risk. If the previous owner has restored the exterior of the car but has not fixed important safety features like the airbags, you could be seriously injured if you are in an accident. Even if a car has been completely rebuilt, it may not have been repaired well. If there was significant damage to the frame, the doors may not close properly or the windows may not seal properly. You’ll also want to watch out for the ”
How can I check if a car has a salvage title?
Vehicle history reports, such as those offered by CarFax and AutoCheck, can often alert you if a salvage title has been issued on the car’s history.
Can you get insurance for a car with a salvage title?
You may have trouble insuring a car with a salvage title, even if the car has been repaired and issued a rebuilt title. Car dealers used car buyers, and insurance companies may have trouble assigning a value to your vehicle because they don’t know its condition below the surface. This may result in a lower resale value. Only some auto insurance companies offer coverage for vehicles with rebuilt titles. And among those that do, coverage options can be limited.
What are the potential benefits of buying a salvage vehicle?
While it’s not for everyone, there can be some benefits to buying a car with a salvage title, if you buy the right car and have the right skills. Salvage vehicles are usually much cheaper due to their title status. If the damage was solely cosmetic and you don’t care about appearance, the car may still be reliable. But you should have the car thoroughly checked out by a mechanic to make sure there are no potential safety issues. Mechanics, body shop technicians, and do-it-yourself auto restorers may also consider a salvage car. If you’re a skilled mechanic, you may be able to complete most repairs yourself or use the car for parts. having said that,
Next steps
Salvage vehicles often present more risks than most car buyers are willing to handle. Unless you’re an expert mechanic or looking for a project car, it’s often best to avoid buying salvage title cars. Safety concerns, the potential for expensive repairs, and the difficulty of insuring and selling your car can make the decision clear to most people. If you’re considering it, be sure to get a vehicle history report and have the car inspected by a reputable mechanic. But what if you love your wrecked car and don’t want to part with it, even after it’s declared a salvage title car? If that’s the case, just be sure to keep your eyes peeled for all the expensive possibilities. Sometimes insurance companies will allow you to keep a car totaled and reduce your payment for the remaining value. But be prepared to pay a hefty repair bill to get your car back in good shape. Even then, the value of the car after repairs will probably be much less because of the salvage title.
