Whether you can drive a salvage title in California depends on whether you intend to restore the vehicle to road-worthy, drivable status again. Repairing a salvage-designated vehicle can take considerable time and money.
However, once you follow the steps and apply for a Revived Title status through the California Department of Motor Vehicles, you should be able to obtain car insurance in California and drive on public roads again.
- In California, a salvage title is issued when an insurance company declares a vehicle a total loss due to significant damage that makes it unsafe and non-operational on the road.
- To legally drive a salvage-titled vehicle, it must be restored to operational condition and pass inspections by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) or DMV.
- Owners of revived salvage vehicles could have more difficulty obtaining full coverage insurance, but some insurance companies may provide liability insurance coverage.
Can you insure a car with a salvage title in California?
According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, salvaged vehicles in California have their titles marked as “salvage.” This means the vehicle was involved in an accident or incurred considerable damage from another source, making it unsafe for the road. This brand includes previously dismantled or junked vehicles.
A vehicle truly becomes “salvage” when it’s damaged so severely that its repair cost is greater than its market value. Once a car has suffered significant damage, an application for a salvage title must be made within 10 days of an insurance company declaring the vehicle a total loss.
The insurance company, representative or owner of the vehicle must fill out the form for a salvage title and submit it along with the title, license plates, proof of ownership and a fee to the California Department of Motor Vehicles.
If the vehicle owner wants to try and restore a salvaged vehicle to operational status in California, they can apply for Revived Salvage Vehicle registration. A vehicle statement of facts also may be needed.
According to California law, you’ll need the following to register a revived junk vehicle:
- Registration application signed by the current vehicle owner
- Junk receipt issued by DMV (will require inspection by the DMV or the California Highway Patrol (CHP))
- Brake and light adjustment certificates
- Applicable fees
The California Department of Motor Vehicles defines a “revived salvage” vehicle as one reported by the owner or insurance company as a total loss, which has now been restored to operational condition. As a result, a vehicle that has been repaired and re-registered with the DMV is titled “revived.” This may be known as a “rebuilt” vehicle in other states.
So, in California, while salvage vehicles may be deemed unroadworthy, a revived salvage vehicle can be registered and drivable on the roadways. More than likely, when you hear about “salvage” vehicles being bought and driven, these refer to vehicles with “revived salvage” status.
Read more about how to register a salvage title car in California
What are California’s insurance requirements for salvage vehicles?
California state law requires registered owners to have insurance on their motor vehicles. While finding an insurance company to insure a revived salvage vehicle may be harder, some California insurance providers might cover your vehicle.
However, you can only purchase liability coverage, which covers injury to other individuals and damage to their vehicles, but not coverage for your vehicle or passengers.
California car insurance laws require every vehicle on the roadways to be insured. In 2006, the state increased its vehicle liability insurance laws so all insurance companies must report insurance status information to DMV for all private-use vehicles and allow law enforcement and court personnel access to DMV records to verify California vehicles are insured.
Additionally, a vehicle’s California registration is subject to suspension if the liability insurance is canceled, if the insurance company has not electronically provided evidence of insurance when a person purchases and registers a vehicle or if the DMV is provided with false insurance information.
You might also be interested inHow do you insure a salvage title car in California?
While getting full coverage, which includes collision and comprehensive, may be difficult, you should be able to get a liability-only policy for a salvage title car. This coverage will only cover damage you do to other people or their property.
Buying a car with a salvage title can be risky. If the vehicle is not repaired correctly, it can be unreliable or even dangerous out on the road.
If you are considering buying a car with a salvage title, here are a few precautions to take:
- Have a trusted professional mechanic check out any vehicle you are considering. The better the deal you’re getting, the more you should insist on an inspection.
- Get a vehicle history report. Carfax and Autocheck are the top two providers.
- Check the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System. This federal database was supposed to cut down on title fraud. While it has helped, it is incomplete, as not all states participate.
- Check with your local DMV regarding their salvage title laws. Each state has different guidelines for salvage titles. Understand the local policies before you buy.
- Check with your insurance company regarding coverage and car insurance rates before you buy.
Read more about how to insure a salvage or rebuilt title car
What are the steps to clear a salvage title in California?
To clear a salvage title in California and get your vehicle back on the road, you must follow these steps:
Repair the vehicle: The vehicle must be repaired to a safe condition, meeting all legal requirements. This includes ensuring that all essential parts are properly fixed.
Complete a vehicle inspection: The car must pass a salvage inspection after repairs. This inspection checks the car’s safety, identifies any stolen parts and ensures it meets California’s legal requirements. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) performs the inspection.
Apply for title and registration: After the inspection, you must complete the necessary paperwork to apply for a new title and registration. This includes filling out the application for title or registration (Form REG 343). You will also need proof of vehicle repairs, proof of passing the salvage inspection and the vehicle’s salvage title.
Pay the required fees: You must pay any fees associated with the application and registration process. It includes the title fee, registration fee and any other applicable charges.
Once everything is approved, the California DMV will issue a revived salvage title for the vehicle. This title will state that the car has been repaired and is now roadworthy.
Common questions on salvage title car insurance in California
Will having a salvage title raise my insurance costs?
Owning a vehicle with a salvage title can raise your insurance costs. Insurance companies view salvage title cars as higher risks due to their history of significant damage or loss. This can result in higher premiums, and some insurers may only offer limited coverage options, such as liability insurance. It might be difficult or more expensive to get comprehensive and collision coverage because it’s difficult for insurers to assess the value and ensure the vehicle’s safety.
Can you obtain full coverage for a salvage title car in California?
You can get full coverage for a salvage title car in California, but it can be challenging. You can apply for a revived salvage title after repairing the vehicle and passing the required inspections. Some insurance companies may offer full coverage (including comprehensive and collision) for revived salvage vehicles, but it often comes with higher premiums. It’s important to shop around and compare quotes from multiple insurers to get adequate coverage at an affordable cost.
Is it legal to drive a salvage title car?
Driving a car with a salvage title is generally illegal until adequately repaired and inspected. In California, once you have obtained a revived salvage title by following the necessary steps, it becomes legal to register, insure and drive the vehicle on public roads. Until then, the vehicle is considered unsafe or unfit for regular operation and cannot be legally driven.
Resources & Methodology
Sources
- State of California Department of Motor Vehicles. “How To: Obtain a Salvage or Nonrepairable Vehicle Certificate.” Accessed December 2024.
- State of California Department of Motor Vehicles. “Junk/Revived Salvage Vehicles.” Accessed December 2024.
Get advice from an experienced insurance professional. Our experts will help you navigate your insurance questions with clarity and confidence.
Browse all FAQs