Cheap Auto Insurance for Rebuilt or Salvage Title Vehicles in 2024
While you can’t insure a salvage title car in California, you have options if the vehicle has a revived or rebuilt title. Keep in mind, many insurance companies will provide only liability insurance for these vehicles.
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Daniel Walker
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
Daniel Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has run his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for over 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an insurance agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. To ensure our content is accura...
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Jul 17, 2024
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Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Jul 17, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- Although it isn’t possible to insure a salvage title vehicle in California, insuring a previously dismantled car with a “revived” or “rebuilt” title is
- While “salvage,” “rebuilt,” or “revived” titles are terms that are often used interchangeably, there are important differences between the two types of titles
- Even though insurers often hesitate to offer full coverage for revived title vehicles, some insurance companies provide liability-only policies
- Due to the vehicle’s history, insurance rates for revived salvage vehicles are sometimes higher than for regular cars.
If you’re a California driver whose car has recently been declared a “dismantled” or “junk” vehicle, you’re probably wondering what comes next for you and your car or truck.
Is a salvage title hard to insure? It’s a common question for vehicle owners hoping to hold onto a car they love that is no longer considered roadworthy. If you’re a resident of California and own a salvage title vehicle, you’re also probably wondering, “Can you insure a salvage title car in California?”
In this article, we’ll discuss whether one can insure salvage title vehicles in California, what the process is for legally insuring a totaled vehicle, and if reviving your salvage title vehicle is worth the effort.
What is a salvage title?
When a vehicle is declared a total loss by an insurance company or the cost to repair damages caused by an accident or another similar event is higher than the vehicle’s market value, it will be assigned a salvage title.
Usually, vehicles declared a total loss are significantly damaged and not considered safe to drive. Because of that, salvage title vehicles cannot be legally driven or insured. However, there are steps that the owners of salvage title vehicles can take to insure and legally drive their salvage vehicles again.
For more information on the meaning of a salvage title, read our article: What does a salvage title mean?
Salvage Title vs. Revived Title
In general, the term “salvage vehicle” refers to a vehicle declared a total loss by an insurance company. In California, however, specific legal definitions are related to salvage certification and revived title vehicles. According to California Vehicle Code (CVC) §431, a total loss or “non-repairable” vehicle meets the following criteria:
- The vehicle has been declared by its owner as a source of scrap metal and parts only.
- The vehicle is a burned shell that lacks any reusable or repairable components.
- The vehicle has been “surgically stripped.”
Under California law, after a vehicle is issued a Total Loss/Non-Repairable Vehicle certificate, it can no longer be re-registered or issued a Junk/Revived Salvage title even if the owner later restores it to roadworthiness.
On the other hand, a totaled vehicle previously reported as “dismantled” and issued a junk receipt by the California Department of Motor Vehicles but has since been restored to roadworthiness can be assigned a revived salvage title. It can be registered as a Junk/Revived Salvage Vehicle after completing an application and passing the required inspections.
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Registering a Revived Salvage Vehicle in California
A revived salvage title is associated with serious damage to your vehicle. Although a salvage title will always remain in your vehicle’s history, obtaining a revived salvage title for a previously totaled car is the only way to insure it legally in California. Below are the steps to get insurance for a revived salvage vehicle in the state, according to the California DMV Vehicle Industry Registration Procedures Manual:
- Repair the vehicle to a good condition where you can safely drive it on the freeway.
- Complete an Application for Title or Registration (REG 343).
- Provide evidence of vehicle ownership and, if required, a completed Statement of Facts (REG 256) form.
- Provide the vehicle’s DMV-issued junk receipt.
- Provide a Verification of Vehicle form or a Certificate of Inspection from the California Highway Patrol, depending on your circumstances and the state where your salvage title was originally registered.
- Provide a Certificate of Compliance-Brake Adjustment (B-91, REV. 4/99) and a Certificate of Compliance-Lamp Adjustment (L-91, REV. 4/99). If a Certificate of Adjustment-Brake Adjustment (B-91, REV. 11/08) or Certificate of Adjustment-Lamp Adjustment (L-91, REV. 11/08) was issued before November 30, 2015, you must also provide those documents.
- Pay all applicable title, registration, and other fees.
Limitations for Insuring a Revived Salvage Title Car
Although it’s possible to insure a vehicle with a revived salvage title in California, your coverage options could be limited. Reputable insurance companies are generally hesitant to provide full coverage for previously salvaged vehicles due to their history; however, many insurers offer liability coverage only for revived salvage vehicles. To find out what coverage is available in your area, contact an insurance agent or shop around and compare policies and quotes. Be aware that some auto insurance companies will insure vehicles declared a total loss by other companies but not those they have totaled themselves.
You can insure a totaled car with a rebuilt title, but there are added costs and complications.
Are salvage titles more expensive to insure?
Although insuring a salvage title vehicle isn’t legal in California, insuring a revived salvage title vehicle can sometimes be more expensive than a vehicle that has never been totaled. It’s also important to remember that obtaining a revived title and insurance for your salvage vehicle first requires ensuring that the vehicle is safe to drive on the road. This process can add additional repair costs and inspection fees.
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Best Car Insurance for Salvage Titles
Although insuring a revived salvage title vehicle can be more challenging than insuring a vehicle that has never been totaled, several major insurance providers offer insurance policies for restored salvage vehicles, including TK and TK.
Although insurance rates vary, the table below can give drivers an idea of how much the average driver pays monthly for car insurance.
Full Coverage Auto Insurance Average Rates and Availability from Top Providers
| Insurance Company | National Availability | Monthly Rates | Versus Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAA | 34 States | $86 | Lower |
| Allstate | All 50 States and D.C. | $161 | Higher |
| American Family | 19 States | $116 | Lower |
| Farmers | All 50 States and D.C. | $139 | Higher |
| Geico | All 50 States and D.C. | $80 | Lower |
| Hartford | 41 States and D.C. | $113 | Higher |
| Liberty Mutual | All 50 States and D.C. | $172 | Higher |
| Nationwide | 46 States and D.C. | $114 | Lower |
| Progressive | All 50 States and D.C. | $108 | Higher |
| State Farm | All 50 States and D.C. | $86 | Lower |
| Travelers | 42 States and D.C. | $99 | Lower |
| USAA (Military and Family Members) | All 50 States and D.C. | $59 | Lower |
Because insurance rates are based on several factors, including your driving history, location, and vehicle make and model, shop around and compare quotes before choosing a policy.
Is registering a salvage title car worth the work?
Deciding whether restoring a salvage title car to roadworthiness (and insurability) depends on your goals and circumstances. If you have the time and resources to invest in repairs, inspections, and other fees to obtain a revived salvage title, then registering a salvage car might be worth it. However, if you lack the funds or time for extensive repairs and tedious registration and inspection processes, it might be worth considering buying a replacement vehicle instead.
Insuring a Salvage Title in California: The Lowdown
Although insuring a salvage title vehicle isn’t possible in California, previously totaled vehicles that have been restored to roadworthiness and assigned a revived salvage title can be legally insured after passing the appropriate inspections. However, insuring a revived salvage title vehicle isn’t always easy, and coverage is sometimes limited to liability-only policies. In addition, because repairing a totaled vehicle and obtaining a revived salvage title can be expensive and time-consuming, it’s important to ensure you have the time and resources to see the process through to completion.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth it to purchase a salvage title vehicle?
Deciding whether it’s worth buying a salvage title car or truck depends on your circumstances. Because it’s illegal to drive a salvage vehicle, buying one means you’ll need to invest a lot of time, money, and effort into restoring the car to good condition before restoring its title. You should only buy a salvage title vehicle if you have the time and resources to restore its title.
How much are salvage title restoration and inspection fees in California?
Beyond the cost of repairs to restore your totaled vehicle to roadworthiness as the owner of a salvage title vehicle, you will also need to pay additional fees to register and inspect your revived salvage vehicle. Although fees vary, the costs associated with obtaining a revived salvage title and registration include paying a salvage title registration fee, a Salvage/Dismantled Vehicle Inspection fee of $50, a substitute plate fee or a vehicle license fee (if the owner is the same), and a prior history fee.
Does insuring a rebuilt title car cost more than a regular new or used vehicle?
Because of concerns about safety and roadworthiness related to your vehicle’s history, insuring a revived salvage title vehicle might cost more than a vehicle that never incurred serious damage. Because rates vary, it’s best to contact an insurance agent to compare quotes.
Is a rebuilt title bad for insurance?
A vehicle with a rebuilt title will be more expensive to insure, and you will likely have limited coverage options. Many companies will only provide liability insurance for rebuilt title cars.
What is a salvage vehicle?
A salvage vehicle is a car that has been deemed a total loss by an insurance company due to severe damage, typically from an accident, natural disaster, or other significant event. Salvage vehicles are usually sold through salvage auctions or to salvage yards.
Can I get auto insurance for a salvage vehicle?
Yes, it is possible to obtain auto insurance for a salvage vehicle. However, the availability of insurance and the coverage options may vary depending on the insurance company and state regulations.
What type of insurance coverage can I get for a salvage vehicle?
Insurance coverage for salvage vehicles typically includes liability coverage, which is required by law in most states. However, comprehensive and collision coverage may be more limited or not available for salvage vehicles. It’s important to discuss the available coverage options with your insurance provider.
Will my salvage vehicle be insured for its pre-accident value?
No, salvage vehicles are generally not insured for their pre-accident value. Since salvage vehicles have been deemed total losses, the insurance coverage is typically based on the current market value of the salvage vehicle, which is typically significantly lower than the pre-accident value.
Free Auto Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
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Daniel Walker
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
Daniel Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has run his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for over 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an insurance agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. To ensure our content is accura...
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.