Free to compare. You choose whether to continue with any offer.
A rebuilt title car can look like a bargain, and sometimes it is. But insurance is where many buyers get a surprise. Some insurers will not cover these cars at all, others only offer the legal minimum, and the price is often higher than for the same car with a clean title. It pays to ask about insurance before you hand over any money.
This guide explains the difference between salvage and rebuilt titles, what insurers usually want to see and how to avoid the common traps.
A car usually gets a salvage title when an insurer decides it is a total loss, for example after a serious accident, flood or theft. Consumer guides explain that a salvage car generally cannot be registered or driven on public roads, and most insurers will not cover it, until it has been repaired and passed an inspection.
Once it passes, the state can issue a rebuilt title (some states use a different name). At that point the car can be registered and insured, although your options are narrower than with a clean title. Rules and inspection steps differ by state, so check with your motor vehicle agency.
Get a free quoteQuote online Now!
Compare quotes and see how much you could save.
Your privacy and security are important.A copy of the rebuilt title, the registration and the VIN are the basics.
Many insurers want a statement from a certified mechanic that the car is roadworthy.
Pictures, and sometimes video, show the car’s condition before you are covered.
The original repair estimate and receipts help prove the damage was fixed.
Rates vary from one insurer to another. Compare several offers side by side and choose the coverage that fits your budget.
Compare Quotes NowSometimes, but not always. Several consumer sources say most insurers will write a liability policy for a rebuilt title car, while collision and comprehensive are harder to find and may require extra inspections. Insurers are cautious because the value of a rebuilt car is harder to pin down, and full coverage is priced on that value.
Expect to pay more. One analysis of fifteen insurers by MoneyGeek found liability-only coverage costing roughly 10 to 20 percent more and full coverage roughly 20 to 40 percent more when it was available. Another source says rebuilt title cars can cost up to about 20 percent more than clean title ones. These are averages from consumer research, so your own quotes may differ.
If a rebuilt title car is totaled again, the insurer pays based on the car’s value at that time. A rebuilt title usually lowers that value, so the payout may be smaller than you expect. Before you buy full coverage, it helps to compare the yearly cost with what the car is actually worth.
Generally no. The car usually has to be repaired, inspected and issued a rebuilt title first. Rules vary by state.
No. Availability varies by company and state, so compare several quotes. A licensed agent who works with more than one insurer can also help.
If your record or history makes it harder to find cover, our guide to non-standard auto insurance may also help.
Get Your Instant Quote Now!
Compare rebuilt title car insurance quotes with free advice!