How does a regular title get changed to a Salvage title in California? Is it done by an insurance company or by the DMV? I’m looking at a car to buy with one and need more information.
Ray
The insurance company can NOT issue a title but rather they apply for a title from the DMV. They request a title on a vehicle they paid off under a "total loss" insurance claim.
The DMV then issues the title and stamps the title "Salvaged" as well as the registration. They also mark the vehicle in the computer so that any transfer will get a salvaged vehicle stamp.
There is only one state that does not brand a title. To get a salvaged title clean you would have to re-title the vehicle in that state and then bring it back to California and re-register it in California and walla no branding. :steering:
Location: Did you know that the "B" in Benoit B. Mandelbrot stands for 'Benoit B. Mandelbrot'?
Re: Salvage title in California (Cricket)
Quote:
There is only one state that does not brand a title. To get a salvaged title clean you would have to re-title the vehicle in that state and then bring it back to California and re-register it in California and walla no branding. :steering:
I think this is called "title washing" and Cal DMV takes a very dim view of it - I've heard of people getting their titles revoked after DMV discovering that the title had been cleansed.
Keep in mind that once a care is totalled (salvage title), you can't get full coverage on it, only liability. I'm not sure about agreed value policies, though. I don't touch these babies. Lots of stolen cars end up with "salvage" titles here in CA. Buy a wreck, steal the twin, a little creative work with the VIN and it's done. I looked at 3 Subaru Outbacks in a row (!) like that.
Dexter,
You're absolutely right ... the California DMV does not look kindly on "cleansed titles" nor does any state as far as that goes. That is why all states except for one brand a title. To me it just isn't worth the few extra dollars you could pick up selling a vehicle that has been branded. (unless you're a car thief) :thumbs: :thumbs: :thumbs:
Keep in mind that once a care is totalled (salvage title), you can't get full coverage on it, only liability. I'm not sure about agreed value policies, though. I don't touch these babies. Lots of stolen cars end up with "salvage" titles here in CA. Buy a wreck, steal the twin, a little creative work with the VIN and it's done. I looked at 3 Subaru Outbacks in a row (!) like that.
Hans
Thanks guys, now its looking like I might just pass on what I thought was a great deal.
You can get Collision and Comp coverage on the vehicle (some carriers won't knowingly write it, but others will), but if the car gets totalled (again), most insurers will only offer you about 50% of what a clean titled car would be worth. The salvage title definitely hurts the value of the car, but not quite that much, in my opinion. Still, depending on the vehicle, my people will usually take off about 25-33% for a salvage title.
I've seen some cars totalled that would be very easy to fix, and therefore made good buys for someone. I've seen other cars that should never have been fixed and which turned out to be nightmares. Beware.
Location: I don't have to show you any stinkin' badges
Re: Salvage title in California (Duck916)
Quote:
I've seen some cars totalled that would be very easy to fix, and therefore made good buys for someone. I've seen other cars that should never have been fixed and which turned out to be nightmares. Beware.
Good advice. I have friends and family in the autobody business and have seen some beautiful work done on "salvage value" cars where the damage did not cause structural problems. On the other hand, I have seen many cars going down the road sideways like a crab. It is alway a good idea to get a "before" picture of the car, if you are serious about buying a salvaged car, to see the extent of the damage. I prefer not to purchase these cars myself...
Corvette Store
Salvage title in California
