Is it OK to buy a salvage title car?

It depends. Salvage cars can be a bargain if you're mechanically knowledgeable and understand the risks. However, most buyers should avoid them due to insurance issues, poor resale value, and possible hidden damage.

Can you insure a salvage title car?

Some insurance companies will offer liability-only coverage for salvage title cars. Full coverage is often limited or unavailable. Check with your insurer before buying.

Why are salvage title cars so cheap?

They’re typically priced 30% to 50% below clean-title cars because of their accident history, difficulty insuring, inability to finance, and lower resale value.

Can a salvage title car be financed?

Very few lenders will finance salvage title cars. Buyers usually need to pay cash or use personal loans not tied to the vehicle itself.

What’s the difference between salvage and rebuilt titles?

A salvage title means the car is a total loss and isn’t road legal until repaired. Once it passes a state inspection proving it's roadworthy, it may be issued a rebuilt title. However, the damage history stays on record permanently.

How do I check if a car has a salvage title?

Use the VIN to check the vehicle’s history through Carfax, AutoCheck, or NMVTIS.

Should You Buy a Used Car with a Salvage Title?

Q: What is a salvage title?

A salvage title means a car was declared a total loss by an insurance company due to significant damage from an accident, flood, fire, or theft recovery. The title permanently reflects that status.

Wondering if you should buy a salvage title car?

This guide explains what a salvage title means, the pros and cons, and the risks involved.

Learn how these vehicles get branded as salvage after accidents, floods, or theft, and understand why they’re often priced 30–50% lower. We’ll show you what to check, how to get it inspected, how insurance works for salvage cars, and whether buying one makes sense for you.

If you’ve been browsing used cars and come across a deal that seems too good to be true, check the fine print—it might have a salvage title. These vehicles are often priced thousands below market value, but the discount comes with some serious trade-offs.

So, should you buy a used car with a salvage title? Let’s break down the pros, cons, and what you need to know before making a decision.

What Is a Salvage Title?

A salvage title means the car has been declared a total loss by an insurance company. This typically happens when:

The vehicle was in a major accident
It suffered flood, fire, or hail damage
It was stolen and recovered after a payout

Once a vehicle is deemed “totaled,” the title is marked as salvage to inform future buyers of its history.

Can Salvage Title Cars Be Repaired?

Yes—many salvage cars are repaired and returned to the road, often with a rebuilt title if they pass state safety inspections.

These vehicles can be drivable and safe, but the quality of repairs can vary drastically depending on who did the work and what parts were used.

Pros of Buying a Salvage Title Car

Low Price
- You’ll usually pay 30–50% less than for a clean-title equivalent.
Availability of Hard-to-Find Models
- Salvage titles can offer deals on rare or discontinued vehicles.
Good for DIYers or Mechanics
- If you can inspect, repair, or maintain the vehicle yourself, the savings can be worth it.

Cons of Buying a Salvage Title Car

Unknown or Poor Repair Quality
- Some repairs are done cheaply just to get the car back on the road—not to make it safe.
Difficult to Insure
- Many insurance companies won’t offer full coverage, and some won’t insure it at all.
Low Resale Value
- Selling a salvage title vehicle is hard. Most buyers will avoid them entirely.
Financing Challenges
- Most banks won’t offer loans on salvage title vehicles—so you’ll likely need to pay cash.
Possible Hidden Damage
- Frame issues, electrical problems, and safety feature malfunctions may not show up until later.

What to Do Before Buying a Salvage Title Car

If you’re seriously considering a salvage title car, protect yourself with these steps:

1. Get a Pre-Purchase Inspection

Hire a trusted, independent mechanic to check the car inside and out, especially:

Frame and structural integrity
Airbags and sensors
Electrical systems
Rust or water damage

2. Request the Repair Records

Ask who repaired it, what parts were used, and whether the work passed inspection. Look for professional body shop documentation—not just receipts from a backyard fix.

3. Check the Title History

Use tools like CARFAX or AutoCheck to see when and why the car was totaled.

4. Check with Your Insurance Company

Ask in advance if they will insure a salvage or rebuilt title—and what kind of coverage they offer.

💬 So, Should You Buy One?

Buying a salvage title car can make sense in very specific situations:

You’re mechanically inclined and know how to spot red flags
You need a cheap, short-term vehicle and aren’t worried about resale
You’ve done a thorough inspection and trust the seller or repair shop
You’re paying cash and understand the risks

But for most buyers, especially those without mechanical knowledge or insurance flexibility, a salvage title vehicle can be more trouble than it’s worth.

Final Thoughts

If the price looks too good to be true, it probably has a salvage title behind it. While not all salvage cars are bad, they require extra caution, research, and realistic expectations. Unless you’re an expert or have a specific use case, a clean-title vehicle will likely offer more peace of mind and better long-term value.

Shop Safe, Shop Smart

At Clock Tower Auto Mall, We Say Yes When Others Say No, we don’t sell salvage title vehicles. Every car on our lot is fully inspected, history-verified, and ready to drive with confidence.

Check out our used inventory or visit us today for a no-pressure test drive.