Common Descriptions for Salvaged Car Titles

When a car is damaged, and the cost to repair the damage exceeds the vehicle’s overall value, an insurance company will consider it a totaled car. If the owner decides to invest in the necessary repairs and make the vehicle drivable once again, they need to be sure they do so legally. This requires that the car be street legal, meaning it is mechanically safe, sufficiently insured, and has the proper form of salvage title.

Continue reading to learn the common forms of salvage titles, and how to sell a junk car without a title.

Indianapolis Junk Car Buyers 317-608-2188

Indianapolis Junk Car Buyers 317-608-2188


Salvaged titles are important because they protect future buyers from purchasing a vehicle without knowing the true underlying extent of a vehicle’s damage. A salvaged vehicle is generally branded with an official description that describes the condition of the vehicle. These official descriptions vary depending on certain factors, including the type or extent of vehicular damage and the particular state in which the vehicle is titled under.

There are 3 salvage title descriptions that are the most common in the industry include Total-Loss Vehicle, Rebuilt Title, and Inoperable or Non-Repairable. Within these common title brands include vehicles with flood damage and fire damage.

Total-Loss Vehicle

This title description describes a vehicle that has sustained damage and could be repaired; however, the cost to repair the damage would be more than a predetermined amount of the total economic value of the vehicle. The predetermined amount varies from state to state, but usually ranges between 60 and 100 percent.

Rebuilt Title

A rebuilt title is designated for vehicles that were previously branded a total loss, but then repaired back to a drivable condition. If repaired, the vehicle must pass a vigorous structural safety inspection before it can be legally operated. These are also known as “reconstructed” and “refurbished” titles. The moniker varies among jurisdiction.

Non-Repairable

When a vehicle experiences a high level of damage, and the damage makes it impossible to repair, it is given a non-repairable title. These are also known as “inoperable” and “irreparable” titles. Cars with an inoperable title cannot be repaired and legally driven. They can only be used for parts and scrap metal applications.

Need to Sell a Salvaged Car Without a Title?

Sometimes car titles get lost or even stolen, and other times they are never transferred over to the new owner. Regardless of why your title is missing, there are still ways to sell your car without it. Although having a car title can make the process easier, selling a vehicle without a title only requires a few extra steps. Many will have success declaring their car title lost or stolen, while others live in states that have procedures in place for car owners who want to sell a vehicle to a private party without a title. A highly recommended method is to sell your vehicle to an Indianapolis junk car buyer who will do business without a car title. This is also the easier way to go since many salvage yards will tow your vehicle to their lot for free.

We Will Buy Your Car Without a Title!

Cash for Junk Cars 317-608-2188

Cash for Junk Cars 317-608-2188

Call GC’s Junk Cars at 317-608-2188 to sell your totaled car for cash in Indianapolis. We have been buying junk cars throughout the Central Indiana area for several years. With our knowledge and expertise, we stand by our offers 100%. Rest assure you will be getting the best price for your car because you are selling directly to the scrap yard! There is never a middle man, which means you walk away with more cash in your pocket.

How Do I Replace a Lost or Stolen Car Title?

Junk Car Buyers 317-608-2188

Indianapolis Junk Car Buyers 317-608-2188

It happens all the time. A person finally decides to sell their vehicle that has been junked and taking up space in the garage for years. But when they go to make the sell, they realize they can’t find the car title. At this point, it is common for panic to set in since most people are under the impression that you must have a car title to sell a car in Indiana. Although it is much easier and more convenient to sell a junk car with a title, it is not always the only method of proving ownership. Some junk car buyers will work with sellers by accepting a combination of documentation that proves they are the lawful owners of the vehicle, such as registrations, drivers’ licenses, insurance
paperwork, and more.

Regardless of how you choose to sell your vehicle, recovering a lost or stolen car title is still the best practice, even if other documentation will work. And coming by a copy of one is not as hard as you might think! Continue reading to learn how to get a replacement car title in Indiana.

Replacing a Car Title in Indiana

In Indiana, car owners have four options for replacing a lost or stolen car title. They can apply in person at a local BMV branch, through a BMV Certified Partner, online, or via mail. Regardless of how you choose to replace your lost car title, you will need certain documentation with you. Before you start your application process, be sure you have these items on hand:

🖹 Valid Photo Identification – Accepted forms include state-issued drivers’ license, birth certificate, passport, employee identification card, school identification card, military identification card, and photo bank card. It cannot be expired.

🖹 Form of Vehicle Identification – Accepted forms include registration, VIN (vehicle identification number), and more. Check with your local BMV to clarify which documents are accepted.

🖹 Lien Release Form – If there is a lienholder, you will need this form on hand with you at the time of sale.

How to Apply

Via Mail:

1. Complete State Form 205 (Application for Certificate of Title).
2. Make a Copy of Your Valid Photo I.D.
3. Make a check, cashiers’ check, or money order out to BMV Indiana.
4. Send All Documents Together to:

Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles
100 North Senate Avenue, Room N411
Indianapolis, IN 46204

Online:

Visit myBMV.com to apply online for a duplicate car title.

In Person:

Visit any local BMV branch or certified BMV partner. Be sure to bring all the necessary documents with you. You can choose to complete your State Form 205 – Application for Certificate of Title at the branch while you wait, or fill it out beforehand and bring it with you. Be sure to bring your payment of $8 in valid form (i.e. personal check, cashiers’ check, money order). Click here to find an Indiana branch near you.

GC’s Junk Cars Pays Cash on the Spot for Your Car – With or Without a Title!

GC's Junk Cars 317-608-2188

GC’s Junk Cars of Indianapolis 317-608-2188

Here at GC’s Junk Cars, we have been buying junk cars throughout the Central Indiana area for several years. With our knowledge and expertise, we stand by our offers 100%. Rest assure you will be getting the best price for your car because you are selling directly to the scrap yard! There is never a middle man, which means you walk away with more cash in your pocket. We buy all types of vehicles in all types of shape, running or not, and offer free towing and pick-up! Call 317-608-2188 to sell a junk car for cash, today!