A salvage title means the car was deemed totaled by an insurance company. To sell your salvage title car, inform buyers upfront that it has a salvage title. Not doing so constitutes fraud. Once rebuilt and inspected, apply for a rebuilt salvage title at your county tax office. This allows you to drive the car again. Typically, a car’s branding as salvage can’t be undone. The title remains permanently branded. In Texas, the salvage title and application fee is $8. While buying a salvage title car can save money, beware of hidden issues like frame damage. Carefully consider the risks before buying.
Clearing a Salvage Title
Can a salvage title be cleared in Texas? The vehicle must be repaired once it has been issued a salvage title before a regular Texas title can be issued. Obtain a new vehicle safety inspection from a Texas Inspection Station once repairs are complete.
How to Sell or Rebuild a Salvage Title Car
Selling a Salvage Car
It is possible to legally resell a salvaged vehicle in Texas. The owner must simply have the proper salvage or rebuilt salvage title to show buyers that the vehicle sustained significant damage. The owner may owe you compensation for selling you an unsafe vehicle without the proper salvage title.
Rebuilding a Salvage Car
To obtain a rebuilt title on a salvage branded car, you must complete an Application of Texas Certificate of Title and submit it to your county tax assessor’s office. You must also provide proof of ownership, a rebuilt affidavit, vehicle inspection documents, proof of insurance, and pay the rebuilt title fee.
Texas Blue Title
According to carbuyerusa.com, a Texas blue title is essentially a clean title. It means that the car is safe to drive on the road. There are blue titles for brand-new vehicles and ones given to salvaged vehicles that have been fixed up.
Participating in a Salvage Auto Auction
When looking to participate in a salvage auto auction in Dallas, Texas, be aware of the various titles you may find. These include:
- Fire Damaged
- Owner Retained
- Salvage
- Junk
Risks of Buying a Salvage Car
While buying a salvage car at a Texas vehicle auction can be a great way to get a deal, there are also several risks and considerations to keep in mind. Potential drawbacks of buying salvage cars include hidden issues and extensive repairs needed. Buyers should carefully consider these potential drawbacks before deciding to bid on a salvage car.