California Auto Salvage - California Law on Salvage Title Autos

If your car has been in an accident or was damaged in some way so as the cost to repair it is more than the insurance company is willing to pay then it’s like your car or truck will be considered “totaled” and receive a salvage title. If this happens typically the insurance company pays you for your losses and sends you on your way. However, sometimes you may be able to negotiate with your insurance company to buy back the vehicle and keep it yourself to do with what you want. If you decide to keep your salvage car you can rebuild it to make it drivable again, have a mechanic do it for you or sell the car for parts.

If you rebuild it you will need to make it street legal again. Make sure you keep every single receipt as you will need it for inspections to prove no stolen parts were used. When the salvage car is ready to go on the road again you will need to apply for a Title of Registration through the DMV (see link below), then you will need to make an appointment with your local DMV office or California Highway Patrol office to have it inspected. You’ll need to bring a bill of sale and proof of ownership with you. You will also need to get a Brake and Lights inspection. Check in your area for a certified inspector to do this for you. You may also need to get a smog certificate.

After the vehicle passes inspection, you’ve sent in your application and paid an inspection fee you will receive a new title deemed a Revived Title.

If you’ve purchased a salvage car for parts to rebuild a custom car you will also need to provide all receipts and have the car inspected before it is legal to drive.