What You Need To Know Before Registering A Salavage Title Vehicle

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Purchasing a vehicle on a salvage title can be one way save money on your used car purchase. All a salvage title means is that at some point an insurance company considered the vehicle a total loss. The reasons for this can be rather broad – for example, extensive body damage could be considered too expensive to repair from an insurance standpoint, but it may have no bearing on the mechanical qualities of the car. If you have the ability to fix the damage, or if you don't care about the car's appearance, a salvage titled car can be a great value. The following can help you prepare to register your salvaged vehicle (at an outlet such as B & K Auto Tags) so that you can ensure it is street legal.

#1: Find out inspection requirements

Every state differs on what is required for a vehicle inspection. At the very least, a vehicle will need to be considered road worthy. This means that all lights work, including headlights, taillights, and brake lights. In most cases the car will also need working bumpers, along with seat belts and possible even doors.

Beyond body requirements, there are also usually emissions requirements. Late model cars that haven't suffered any damage to their emissions or fuel systems will likely pass, but it is a good idea to know the basic requirements for your state. You can contact your DMV to find out what will be required during the inspection for a salvage title vehicle. Make sure you specify that the vehicle is salvaged since there may be specific inspection needs for these types of cars.

#2: Clear title

This is similar to registering any new-to-you vehicle. You must make sure the title is clear and that there are liens on the vehicle. This is done via a VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) check. In some states, this is performed by the state patrol, while in others the DMV or a private organization can do this for you.

Once you ascertain that the title is clear, have the previous owner sign the title over to you. You will then need to fill out a registration application for your state. This will include an odometer reading. If the odometer is no longer working in the vehicle, you will need to contact your local DMV to find out what their protocol is.

#3: Check on insurance

Your final task is to shop around for insurance since the DMV will likely require that you show proof of insurance before they will issue the new registration. It can be difficult, if not impossible, to get comprehensive coverage on a salvage titled vehicle. Instead, you will need to settle for a liability-only policy. This ensures that you can cover any damages to the other driver or property in the event you are found at fault in the accident, but you will have to cover the damages to your own vehicle out of pocket.

27 May 2016