Can I insure a salvage title in California? It will take some work, but it’s possible. Anytime a vehicle is severely damaged in a traffic accident or other incident and its insurer writes it off as a total loss, the vehicle will be assigned what’s known as a salvage title. This essentially marks the vehicle as being damaged beyond roadworthiness and unfit to drive.
As in many other states, it’s possible for salvage title California vehicles to be returned to legal roadworthy status, but it will take some time, money, and effort.
We have all the details about salvage title California drivers need to stay informed and safe on the roads, including:
- What is a salvage title?
- Specific salvage title California rules
- Insurance information about salvage titles in California
- How to ‘rebuild’ or ‘restore’ a salvage title in California
- What to expect when owning and driving a salvage title in California
- Frequently asked questions about salvage titles
Ready to learn? Let’s get started.
What is a Salvage Title?
When you’re in an accident that causes damage to your vehicle, your insurance company will cover the costs of repairs to get your vehicle back into working order (assuming the incident is covered by your policy). But if the cost to repair your vehicle is close to or more than the overall market value of your vehicle itself, your insurance company may consider it a ‘total loss.’ That means that rather than repairing the vehicle, they’ll simply pay out its value to the owner.
Vehicles that are written off as a total loss receive what’s known as a salvage title, which means that the vehicle is not roadworthy and has experienced significant damage. Salvage title vehicles cannot be legally driven or insured, but there is a process for returning them to working order so that they can be driven and insured again. This process is known as rebuilding or restoring a title.
Salvage Titles in California
California’s laws when it comes to salvage title vehicles are similar to those in other states. These vehicles are not considered roadworthy or street legal, but there is a process by which they can be restored and re-registered with what’s known as a rebuilt title or restored title. This will allow the owner to safely drive the vehicle, but only after it’s been fully repaired and inspected by authorized officials.
Insurance and Salvage Titles in California
Can you insure a salvage title in California? Yes and no. A vehicle that’s still titled as a salvaged vehicle cannot be insured, because it’s not legally considered safe to drive. But a vehicle whose title has been rebuilt or restored via the process outlined in the next section is considered roadworthy and can be insured, with some caveats.
While most insurance companies in California will offer basic liability coverage for a rebuilt or restored salvage vehicle, most won’t offer full coverage beyond the state-required minimum. That said, there are some that will offer those additional coverages— and a dedicated car insurance marketplace provider like Freedom National can help you find them.
How to Rebuild a Salvage Vehicle in California
If your vehicle has been written off as a total loss and declared a salvaged vehicle and you want to keep it, or you’ve recently purchased a salvage title California vehicle, your first step is to have the damage repaired by an authorized mechanic. You’ll need to keep track of all completed repairs, including documentation of the damage before the repairs and all parts purchased over the course of the restoration.
Next, you’ll need to file some documentation with the California DMV. You can find more information on restoring salvage vehicles in California here. Standard documents include an Application for Title or Registration, proof of ownership, salvage title certificate, and a Statement of Facts (if the vehicle was purchased out of state).
Finally, you’ll need to schedule an inspection with a salvage title California inspector, as well as all standard inspections required of all vehicles.
Finally, your last step after all repairs, documentation, and inspections are complete is to go to the DMV and begin the registration process for your vehicle. When it’s all over, your new title will be mailed to you in four to six weeks.
Owning and Driving a Salvaged Vehicle in California: What to Expect
The first thing to know about owning a salvaged vehicle with a rebuilt or restored title is that the title will never be ‘free and clear’ as if the original damage never occurred. It will always be marked as a restored and rebuilt title, and this will need to be disclosed whenever you attempt to sell the vehicle.
Meanwhile, you likely won’t be able to sell the vehicle for more than half of the market value of a similar vehicle with a clear title, so keep that in mind.
FAQs
Is buying a salvage title vehicle worth it?
This depends on the specific circumstance. A salvage title cannot be legally driven and usually isn’t in any condition to drive even if it could be, which means that by buying one you’re signing up for a significant investment of time, money, and administrative tasks required to repair it and get it inspected to have its title restored. You should only take on a salvage title vehicle if you know exactly what you’re getting into from the outset.
What’s the cost to inspect and restore a salvage title in California?
In addition to whatever the total costs to repair the vehicle to full working order may be, you’ll generally need to pay a salvage title registration fee of $46, a $50 salvage and dismantled vehicle inspection fee, and a $2 prior history fee, as well as potential other minor costs and fees depending on your individual circumstance.
Conclusion
While purchasing or restoring a salvage title vehicle in California isn’t for everyone, it may be an option for some people who are looking for value or have the skills and/or parts necessary to repair the vehicle at a low price. Just remember, there are special registration and insurance requirements for salvage title vehicles in order to make them legal to drive again.
Have other questions about insurance in California or safe driving generally? Check out our blog for more info. When you’re ready, you can get a quote for cheap car insurance in California in seconds from Freedom National.
