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If you’re in the market for a used vehicle — and you’re reading this blog — you probably know that repaired salvage cars are significantly less expensive than vehicles with clean titles. Repaired cars are typically priced at least 5 percent below market value, so they’re an attractive option for budget-minded consumers.

So, what are the drawbacks of a repaired salvage? By most definitions, a salvage vehicle has been declared a total loss by an insurance company. This typically occurs when the vehicle has sustained major damage in an accident, but that’s not always the case; vehicles can be totaled due to hail damage, for example, or when successive insurance claims exceed the vehicle’s overall value. In some cases, salvage vehicles have suffered superficial damage, but they’re mechanically functional.

When a car is totaled by an insurance provider, it typically loses its clean title, which is replaced with a salvage title. The owner can choose to repair the vehicle to get a rebuilt title (the exact requirements for a rebuilt title vary from state to state).

Repaired salvage cars tend to be significantly less expensive, but not less reliable.

Let’s tackle the obvious question: If a car has been rebuilt, is it less safe or reliable than a typical used vehicle?

Not necessarily. In most states, salvaged vehicles must go through an extensive safety inspection to ensure that they’re roadworthy. Some states require licensed rebuilders to complete the repairs, so certified mechanics perform the work.

At R&R Car Sales, we take additional steps to inspect every vehicle, providing our customers with total peace of mind from the moment they sit behind the wheel. We take numerous pictures before, during, and after the repairs, so our customers know the exact steps we took to restore the vehicle to a fully functional condition. The result is a significantly less expensive vehicle that’s both safe and reliable.

Is it easy to get insurance for a repaired salvage car?

When buying a repaired car, insurance is a major consideration. Most insurance companies charge significantly higher rates for collision and comprehensive insurance on vehicles with salvage titles. If you’re buying a vehicle with an auto loan, you’ll need to pay for an insurance policy with these types of coverage in most states. Some insurers offer restricted policies for salvages, and some refuse to offer any sort of coverage whatsoever.

With that said, many drivers refuse collision and comprehensive coverage options, opting instead to cover their own costs in an event of an accident. If you’re saving enough money off of the vehicle’s purchase price, you might not need the extra coverage, since you’ll be able to put some of your savings towards future repair work. Furthermore, if you’ve got a clean driving record, you can still find affordable comprehensive and collision plans in most states.

Ultimately, the benefits of buying a repaired salvage vehicle far outweigh the drawbacks. If you’re looking to drive a high-quality car while avoiding the sticker shock of a new vehicle, salvage titles are certainly worthy of consideration, particularly if you’re able to purchase from a reputable seller. If you’re considering a repaired salvage vehicle, give R&R Car Sales a call and we’ll help you take the next steps.