The 4 Steps to Removing a Salvaged Title on a Junk Car

Whether you have an old Ford truck handed down to you from previous generations, or a recently totaled sports coupe, it is likely that the title is now branded as salvaged. A salvaged title is one that is given to vehicle’s that have been recognized as a total loss by the owners’ insurance carrier. A total loss vehicle is one that costs more to repair than what it is actually worth.

If you have a vehicle that matches either of these descriptions, you might be considering your options. Most junk car owners choose to turn their loss into insurance, while many others sell theirs to a local junk car buyer. However, there are a select few who prefer to restore the vehicle and use it, or better yet, put it back on the market. If you are one of these lucky individuals, it is required by law to have the salvaged title rebranded.

Continue reading to learn the 4 steps you need to take to remove a salvaged title on your car.

Indianapolis Junk Car Buyers 317-608-2188
Indianapolis Junk Car Buyers 317-608-2188

Step ❶ – REPAIR

Your first step is to have the vehicle repaired back to a road-safe condition. Keep in mind, you will need to have the repairs done by an actual certified mechanic if you want the vehicle to pass inspection. You don’t have to repair the vehicle back to a fully-operational condition; it’s still road-safe if the stereo doesn’t work or the middle console doesn’t open up. But the all mechanical systems and safety features must be up-to-code if you want to ultimately remove the salvaged title.

Step ❷ –INSPECTION

You will need to visit your local DMV to obtain the proper documents to have your newly-repaired vehicle inspected. Most branches will require you to bring your bill of sale, the salvaged title, photos, and possibly other types of documentation pertaining to your asset. Once all paperwork and processes are complete, an inspection can be scheduled. Keep in mind that it is illegal to drive the vehicle to the inspection site, even though it is operational. Instead, you will need to have it towed.

Step ❸ – APPLY

Upon passing inspection by the DMV, you can proceed with apply for a re-branded car title. You will need to fill out more application forms at the branch, and even pay a few fees. Within 7 to 10 days, or depending on your county’s system, you will receive your new title in the mail with a statement branded on the front signifying that the title was rebuilt.

Indianapolis Junk Car Buyers

Call GC’s Junk Cars at 317-608-2188 to sell a junk car in Indianapolis, today! We have been buying junk cars throughout the Central Indiana area for several years. You will get 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.

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.