How Does a Vehicle Get a Rebuilt Title?
A rebuilt title means that the car was once declared a total loss due to extensive damage, but the car has been repaired and passed the state's inspection. Hence, the car's title changed from salvage to rebuilt.
The process involves several steps, each of which impacts the car's value, safety, and resale potential. Here's what caused a car to earn a rebuilt title.
Declared as Totaled
When a vehicle's repair cost exceeds its market value, the vehicle will be declared as “totaled”. This can happen due to:
The Car is Repaired
Most totaled vehicles are considered unsafe to drive and are marked as “Salvage” or “Junk.” However, some can be repaired and restored. The repair process includes:
State Inspection
Before a rebuilt vehicle is issued, many states require an inspection to confirm that the vehicle is worthy. Some states have less strict inspection standards, which can lead to title washing, removing the salvage status from the title.
The Car Gets a New Title
Once the car passes inspection, it gets a rebuilt title and can be legally driven again. However, it will always show its rebuilt status on its vehicle history report, which can affect its resale value and insurance rates.