How to Get Auto Insurance for a Salvage Title

Salvage title vehicles can be cheap to buy—but expensive to insure. Most insurers won’t offer full coverage on a salvage title, and some won’t insure it at all. With the right steps, you can still get legal coverage and sometimes even limited full coverage once the car is rebuilt.

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What a salvage title means

A salvage title is issued when a vehicle is declared a total loss by an insurer—usually due to severe damage, theft recovery, flood damage, or fire. Salvage vehicles cannot be legally driven until repaired and inspected.

Because of the unknowns around structural integrity and repair quality, insurers see salvage vehicles as high‑risk.

Step 1: Understand what coverage you can get

Most insurers will only offer:

• Liability insurance: Required by law to drive, but does not cover your vehicle.

To get more than liability, the car must be rebuilt.

Step 2: Convert the salvage title to a rebuilt title

To qualify for broader coverage, you must repair the vehicle and pass a state inspection. Requirements vary by state but usually include:

• Detailed repair receipts.
• Photos of the damage and repairs.
• VIN verification.
• A state safety inspection.

Once approved, the title becomes a rebuilt title, which insurers are more willing to cover.

Step 3: Compare insurers—coverage varies widely

Some insurers refuse salvage or rebuilt vehicles entirely. Others allow liability only. A few will offer full coverage on rebuilt titles with documentation.

Include:

• National insurers.
• Regional carriers.
• Online/direct insurers.
• Independent agents who know which companies accept rebuilt titles.

Step 4: Prepare documentation insurers will ask for

Insurers want proof the vehicle is safe and properly repaired. Be ready to provide:

• Before‑and‑after photos.
• Repair receipts and parts invoices.
• Inspection certificates.
• Rebuilt title documentation.

Having this ready speeds up approval and increases your chances of getting more than liability coverage.

Step 5: Understand coverage limitations

Even with a rebuilt title, insurers may limit coverage:

• No comprehensive or collision.
• Lower payout limits.
• Exclusions for certain types of damage.
• Higher deductibles.

Always read the policy carefully to understand what is and isn’t covered.

Step 6: Avoid mistakes that make insurers deny coverage

Quick comparison: Salvage vs. rebuilt title insurance

FAQ: Getting auto insurance for a salvage title

Can I drive a salvage title car?

No. It must be repaired and pass inspection to receive a rebuilt title.

Can I get full coverage on a salvage title?

Almost never. Most insurers require a rebuilt title before offering comprehensive or collision.

Is insurance more expensive for rebuilt titles?

Often yes, because insurers see rebuilt vehicles as higher‑risk.

Do all insurers accept rebuilt titles?

No. Some refuse them entirely, while others offer limited coverage.

Final thoughts

Getting auto insurance for a salvage title takes preparation and realistic expectations. Most salvage vehicles qualify only for liability, but once rebuilt and inspected, you may be able to secure broader coverage. By comparing multiple insurers, preparing documentation, and understanding limitations, you can protect your vehicle and stay legal on the road.