TopFuelWhat Is a Clean Title?
A clean title means the vehicle has no significant damage history and hasn't been declared a total loss by an insurance company.
What Is a Salvage Title?
A salvage title indicates the vehicle was declared a total loss, typically when repair costs exceed 70-80% of the vehicle's value.
Key Differences
| Factor | Clean Title | Salvage Title |
|---|---|---|
| Registration | Immediate | Requires rebuild/inspection |
| Insurance | Full coverage available | Limited options |
| Financing | Available | Difficult to obtain |
| Resale Value | Full market value | 20-40% reduction |
| Price at Auction | Higher | Lower |
Rebuilt Title
A salvage vehicle can become "rebuilt" after:
- Repairs are completed
- State inspection is passed
- New title is issued
Which Should You Buy?
Consider clean title if:
- You need financing
- Full insurance is required
- You plan to resell soon
Consider salvage title if:
- You can pay cash
- You can repair it yourself
- You're keeping the vehicle