How to Get a Salvage Title Cleared

A vehicle that has undergone extensive damage is issued a salvage title if the insurance company considers it to be a total loss. A salvage title is a type of branded title, and having a branded title can negatively affect the value of your vehicle. An automobile with a salvage title has usually been damaged by a natural disaster or involved in a serious car accident. Regardless of how your vehicle has sustained damage, it is important to take the necessary steps to repair your vehicle.

Whether you are trying to learn more about how to get a rebuilt title cleared or a salvage title cleared, you must understand that once your vehicle has a branded title, there is no way to legally revert it back into a clean title – even if your vehicle is adequately repaired. Take a look at a general overview of the steps you must take to restore a salvage title vehicle and obtain a rebuilt title:

Do Your Research: It is important to understand that the exact steps to obtain a rebuilt vehicle title may vary from state to state. Be proactive and visit the applicable Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website to obtain more information about how to get a salvage title cleared in your current state of residence.
Repair the Vehicle: You should visit a trustworthy mechanic to learn more about the extent of the damage done to your vehicle. The mechanic will be able to determine whether it is possible to repair the car and let you know exactly how much it will cost to get your car ready for the road again. In some states, you cannot drive a vehicle with a salvage title on a public road, so if you plan on driving your car again, you need to make sure that it is adequately repaired and roadworthy. Additionally, you should try to shop around and get a few different quotes from reputable repair shops to ensure your car repair quote is fair.
Get Your Vehicle Inspected at the Appropriate Location (if required in your state): Once your vehicle has been adequately inspected and repaired by a trustworthy mechanic or auto body repair shop, the next step is to visit a state-approved inspection facility and undergo a vehicle inspection. During this inspection, the inspector will determine whether or not the vehicle is in roadworthy condition, and if so, it will be issued a rebuilt title by your state’s respective Department of Motor Vehicles. The inspection requirements will usually vary from state to state, so you may not be required to undergo an inspection at all, but if you do, you can expect to pay a small fee.

Does a Rebuilt Title Affect Insurance?

Finding a car insurance company willing to work with you can be difficult if your vehicle has a rebuilt title. Additionally, it is generally more expensive to insure a rebuilt title car.

This is due to the fact that cars with rebuilt titles have sustained a significant amount of damage in the past. Although a rebuilt title car has been adequately repaired by a mechanic, the vehicle could have hidden issues caused by past damage that could pop up unexpectedly in the future and be expensive to repair. Some insurance companies may be hesitant to provide you with full coverage, but obtaining liability insurance with a rebuilt title car is possible.

How to Fix a Salvage Title Car

Now that you have more information about how to get a salvage title cleared, you may want to know more about how to fix a salvage title car. Fixing a salvage title car is possible, but you will need to consider the following factors:

Whether or Not a Mechanic is Willing to Work on Your Car
If it is Possible to Repair Your Car
Your Ability to Afford the Necessary Repairs to Fix Your Car

If your vehicle has sustained a large amount of damage from a fire or a flood, it may not be possible to adequately restore your vehicle. Generally, restoring a salvage title car is extremely expensive, and in some cases, it’s just not worth it.

Before throwing in the towel, talk to a few different mechanics and have them thoroughly inspect your car. They will be able to provide you with an estimate that breaks down the amount of labor that will go into repairing your car, the parts that are required to fix it, and how much everything will realistically cost. Once you have an estimate, you may be able to apply for financing at the auto repair shop, or you can pursue other loan options, such as a title loan.

Apply for a Title Loan on a Salvage Title Car or a Rebuilt Title Car

Whether you have a salvage title car or a rebuilt title car, you can apply for a title loan and find out if you can borrow against the value of your vehicle! In most cases, an eligible borrower can access up to 50% of their vehicle’s value through a title loan.¹

However, it’s important to note that a car with a salvage or rebuilt title will not have as much value as a similar model with a clear title.

Got any questions about applying for salvage title loans or rebuilt title loans? Call LoanMart at 855-422-7412 to learn more about the application process today! Or, just click here to fill out a short questionnaire and discover if you are eligible for instant pre-approval.¹

Learn How to Get a Salvage Title Cleared