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Today, the internet makes it fast and easy to buy salvage cars new and used cars, as well as located used, reconditioned, and custom parts to repair and upgrade almost every vehicle on the road. Buying vehicles with salvage titles are one opportunity that has increased in recent years. It’s easier than ever to locate salvage vehicles for sale, research the vehicle history, find parts and repair services, and to locate specialty insurance or sell a rebuilt car to interested buyers. But if you’ve never bought or sold a vehicle with a salvage title, this may seem like a daunting task.

RR Car Sales specializes in vehicles with salvage titles. We have the resources to help you find a golden opportunity in a salvaged car, truck, van, or SUV. Here is some information to help you get started buying your first salvage title automobile.

Frequently Asked Questions About Salvage Cars for Sale

Is there a difference between totaled vehicles and salvage cars?

Insurance companies label a vehicle as a total loss when it becomes irretrievable or has been damaged beyond repair. This allows the insurer to pay the owner or claimant the maximum recovery value allowed under the terms of their auto insurance policy. A vehicle total loss can result from theft, vandalism, vehicle crash or accident on the road, or from natural disasters including floods, fire, and other weather-related damage. The terms totaled, or total loss has nothing to do with the vehicle title classification.

What is a salvage title?

Salvage is a term that refers to a specific type of automobile title. Any time a vehicle is declared a total loss by an insurance company and then repaired or rebuilt to a drivable condition, it is then registered at the state and local bureau (or division) of motor vehicles with a salvage title.

Do auto insurance companies provide coverage for salvage cars?

Just like buying a new or used automobile, having the proper insurance coverage available is important as you begin shopping for salvage cars for sale. However, don’t expect to get the highest coverage amounts available. In fact, salvage cars make it easier to get state minimum coverage, saving you additional money or your auto insurance premium.

How do I know if a vehicle has a salvage title?

There are two ways to determine what type of title a vehicle has. First, you can obtain a vehicle history report online, which will show if it has a salvage title. Second, you can do a vehicle title search online through your state DMV or BMV or you can visit a local DMV or BMV office for information about a specific vehicle. In most cases, the vehicle history report won’t give you details on why the car has a salvage title, although most will include any accident, theft, and damage history.

Categories of Salvage Titles

Category A

Vehicles that receive category A titles are only suitable for scrap. These vehicles will not be repaired for road use. The entire vehicle, including parts, will be crushed and the metal and other components will be recycled.

Category B

Like the first category, these vehicles will never be on the road again. The difference with category B is that the parts can be salvaged, rebuilt, and used in other vehicles. This is generally where you’ll find engines, transmissions, radiators, and other major vehicle components for reconditioning and resale for major auto repairs.

Category C

Salvage cars with a category C title can be fully repaired, however at a cost that exceeds the original vehicle’s value. Parts are readily available and may only require minor structural or mechanical repairs to the vehicle body and frame.

Category D

Like category C, these vehicles can be repaired and made road ready. The costs are still significant compared to the value. With category D salvage titles, the time to repair the vehicle may be extensive especially when sourcing the right parts is difficult.

Benefits of Buying Salvage Cars

You may be asking yourself: Why should I buy a vehicle with a salvage title?

The primary benefit is you can find a vehicle at a low price, often lower than used cars purchased directly from a private owner, auction, and at big savings over any local used car lot.

Another benefit is that you can get a vehicle that has quality rebuilt or remanufactured parts. Remember, category C and D salvage titles may not have extensive structural or mechanical defects but were simply written off by the insurance company. These vehicles may have rebuilt engines and transmissions as well as refurbished interiors that comparable to many late model used vehicles.

How to Find and Buy Salvage Cars for Sale

Location

Locating salvage cars for sale is relatively simple. You can search online for ‘salvage cars near me’, ‘salvage title for sale’, or ‘salvage cars.’ An even easier way is to visit our website and see our inventory of available vehicles with salvage titles.

Inspection

Make sure you get a vehicle inspected after you complete the repairs and upgrades. Some states require a specific type of inspection and certificate before you can register a salvage title.

Registration

The final step is to take the certificate showing that your vehicle has passed inspection, along with the rebuilt title to your local BMV or DMV for registration.

Once the vehicle is properly registered, you can drive it or sell it and transfer the title to the new owner just as you would any other new or used automobile.

RR Car Sales Salvage Cars for Sale Near You

No matter what type of vehicle you’re looking for, you’ll find a bargain on the year, make, model, and type of automobile you want the most. At RR Car Sales, we carry the largest and most trusted inventory of available salvage cars for sale in your area. You’ll find a wide variety of rebuilt vehicle makes and models, all with export or salvage titles.