What is a Salvage Title?
Guideโข09/12/2025โข3 min read
If you're looking for a car on Copart or IAAI auctions, you've definitely come across the term Salvage Title. What does it actually mean?
Meaning of Salvage Status
A Salvage Title is issued by an insurance company when the repair cost of a vehicle exceeds a certain portion of its market value (usually 60-90%).
Can You Drive Such a Car?
In the USA, these cars are prohibited from public roads without a special inspection and obtaining a Rebuilt status. In Ukraine, these cars are successfully restored, but it's crucial to know the extent of the damage.
What to Look For:
- Frame Geometry: Were the structural elements damaged?
- Airbag Deployment: This significantly increases repair costs.
- Flood Damage: The most deceptive type of damage that a VIN check reveals.
Before buying, always check the VIN via Vinny to see actual auction photos and understand the extent of the damage!
