Cashforcars.io has years of experience buying rebuilt title cars for sale. We have found that many of our customers are worried about cars with rebuilt titles, interested in comparing rebuilt titles vs. salvage titles, and wondering who to sell their salvage and rebuilt title cars to. In this article, we answer all your questions about rebuilt title cars for sale and how we buy them.
What is a Rebuilt Title?
Rebuilt title cars are vehicles that have been repaired after they've been written off as salvage cars by insurance companies. This means a car must have first been written off or deemed a "salvage vehicle" by an insurance company before its title can be rebuilt.
What Does a Rebuilt Title Look Like?
A rebuilt title is similar to a salvage title in that it carries the same markings "SALVAGE" on the top right corner of the title document. However, a quick search of the vehicle's VIN on Carfax or other service providers can give good information on the vehicle's title.
See picture below;
What is a Salvage Title?
Salvage title cars are vehicles written off by insurance companies and recorded as a loss. Salvage titles are usually issued to vehicles after an accident, disaster, or theft recovery. The insurance write-off is usually because the vehicle is of no value or its repair cost is higher than its value.
When a vehicle is written off, the insurance company will compensate the owner instead of repairing the damages.
What is the Difference Between a Salvage Title and a Rebuilt Title?
The salvage title vs. rebuilt title debate has long been ongoing. A salvage title is earned after an insurance write-off due to damages or high repair costs. On the other hand, a rebuilt title is earned after a salvaged vehicle is repaired, refurbished, or restored to normal performance conditions.
It is important to note that sometimes insurance companies can write off vehicles even with minimal damages. However, a car loses up to 40% of its value once it is branded "Salvage."
How to Get a Rebuilt Title in PA
Salvage cars are not legally allowed on the road. Buyers who wish to refurbish or repair them need to obtain a rebuilt title to show they have restored the vehicle to a roadworthy state. While there are common instances where a vehicle was written off with little or no damage, totaled vehicles make up the highest percentage of salvage cars.
Salvage car owners must prove to their state and the state's Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) that the vehicle can operate on the road again. Although most vehicle owners choose to sell their salvage cars for cash, very few brave the expensive repair process.
Below are the important steps required to get a rebuilt title in Pennsylvania.
Apply for a Salvage Title
This step only applies to vehicle owners who did not receive a salvage title from the insurance company that wrote their vehicle off.
If you didn't receive a salvage title, contact the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Driver and Vehicle Services to request one. You'll be required to present a completed Application for Non-repairable or Salvage Certificate (Form MV-6) and a $22.50 salvage title fee.
The processing time for your salvage title can take between 3-4 weeks.
Repair the Salvage Vehicle
Salvage vehicles have been written off by insurance companies due to their repair costs or value. To change a salvage title to a rebuilt title, start by repairing the vehicle and making it roadworthy.
Submit Repaired Vehicle for Inspection
Once repaired, you should submit your vehicle for the enhanced safety inspection at a DMV-approved PennDOT inspection station. The inspection fee is about $40.
The inspection process will review of all parts used for the refurbishment. Be sure to keep receipts of parts purchased and used. You can also present photographs and videos of the rebuilding process to back your claim.
If passed, the car will be deemed eligible for a rebuilt title.
Submit Necessary Documents to the PennDOT DMV
Once the inspection is passed, you can proceed to submit all relevant documents to the PennDOT DMV. Important documents to submit include;
- The salvage title
- A clear, colored photograph of the vehicle's front, back, and both sides.
- A title registration fee of $51
The complete rebuilt title application pack can be mailed to;
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
Bureau of Motor Vehicles Special Services Unit
P.O. Box 69007, Harrisburg, PA 17106-9007
The application processing time is usually within 3-4 weeks.
Register the Rebuilt Title Vehicle
Once the rebuilt title is issued, you must register your vehicle with the Pennsylvania DMV. The registration fee is $39 plus a $5 annual residency fee.
Documents needed for Pennsylvania vehicle registration include;
- Your Pennsylvania driver's license
- Your rebuilt title car's odometer reading
- Proof of insurance e.g., insurance card
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
How to Turn a Rebuilt Title Into a Clean Title
A car with a salvage or rebuilt title can never be issued a clean title again. Altering a rebuilt or salvage title to a clean title is considered a federal offense that is punishable by law.
It is important to note that there's no way to turn a rebuilt title car to a clean title.
Owners of rebuilt title cars can either sell it off to buy a clean title car or they can accept the hard facts about their vehicle's title.
How Much Does a Rebuilt Title Affect Value?
A car with a rebuilt title loses about 20 – 40% of its value. Sellers often suffer thousands of dollars in losses when selling a rebuilt title car. To prevent this, most sellers sell their salvage cars for cash to recoup some money on the totaled or damaged vehicle.
Who Buys Rebuilt Title Cars?
Most people shy away from rebuilt title cars, especially as they have little to no resale value. However, junkyards and cash car buyers like us at CashForCars.io pay good money for rebuilt title cars for sale in PA and the surrounding areas.
Is a Rebuilt Title Bad?
As a private buyer, you're better off not purchasing a car with a rebuilt title, especially as it's worth 20 to 40% less than its real market value. You should instead prioritize buying a used car with a clean title.
Does a Rebuilt Title Affect Insurance?
Yes, a rebuilt title can affect your insurance premium as insurance companies are likely to see them as high-risk vehicles, leading to higher insurance rates. You're more likely to enjoy a lower insurance rate on a clean title vehicle compared to a salvage title vehicle or a rebuilt title car.
How to Sell a Rebuilt Title Car
Selling a rebuilt car title car is fast and easy when you choose CashforCars.io. Our process for buying rebuilt title car for sale is simple and straightforward. You can request an online quote using our online calculator or call our team. We will send you an instant offer, arrange pickup, and pay cash for your rebuilt title car.
