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Can You Get Full Coverage on a Rebuilt Title? What You Need To Know!
Ed Malaker
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Purchasing a car with a rebuilt title can be a great way to get an expensive car at a fair price. The rebuilt title certifies that the car was inspected and is safe to drive. However, many people have questions about these cars, such as if you can get full coverage on a rebuilt title. The short answer is yes, you can get full coverage on a rebuilt title, but keep reading as we take a closer look at how easy that is to do and what the biggest obstacles are.
What Is a Rebuilt Title?
A rebuilt title is for a car in an accident that resulted in an insurance company declaring it totaled. If a skilled mechanic can rebuild the car to a roadworthy condition, they can apply for a rebuilt title. To get a rebuilt title, the state DMV must inspect the car to ensure that it’s safe to be on the road. Once cleared, the owner can sell or drive the car legally as long as the registration is updated and the car has insurance.
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What’s the Difference Between a Rebuilt Title and a Standard Title?
The main difference between a rebuilt title and a standard or clean title is the history report that it generates. A rebuilt title notifies any potential buyers that the car was in a significant accident that caused enough damage for an insurance company to total it.
What’s the Difference Between a Salvage Title and a Rebuilt title?
When the insurance company declares a car totaled, it receives a salvage title. If a qualified mechanic rebuilds the car to a roadworthy condition, it can receive a rebuilt title if it passes an inspection from the state DMV.
It can be difficult to find insurance companies that provide full coverage on a rebuilt title, but it’s not impossible. That said, most companies only offer limited insurance on rebuilt titles, so you may need to search around.
Is Insuring a Car With a Rebuilt Title More Expensive?
Yes. Unfortunately, you will likely pay higher premiums because the vehicle was in a serious accident. Even though the state DMV inspected it, many people have a hard time believing that it is as safe as it once was, so insurance premiums are often higher for these vehicles even when choosing less coverage.
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What Should I Look For When Buying a Car With a Rebuilt Title?
Use a website like VINcheck to look up the VIN of the car that you want to purchase. Doing so helps you learn more about the car’s history, particularly what type of accident it was in and what type of damage it received.
Watch out for vehicles that have received damage to the frame, especially if you don’t know the mechanic that rebuilt the car or their skill level. The frame is hard to repair, and if it’s not done right, you might have problems later.
Avoid any vehicles that have had flood damage, as this damage can be irreparable.
Find out who made the repairs and where. Doing so might help you gain insight into the mechanic’s skillset.
What Companies Provide Insurance for a Rebuilt Title?
Many insurance companies, like Geico, Allstate, Progressive, State Farm, and Liberty Mutual, will provide at least some insurance coverage on a rebuilt title. However, you will need to contact the companies individually to see if they will offer full coverage in your state.
While it is possible to get full coverage on a rebuilt title, it can be difficult. If you require comprehensive insurance, we recommend checking with as many local insurance companies as possible before purchasing to determine if the coverage exists. When looking to purchase a rebuilt title, make sure you do your homework and trust the mechanics who did the work. Try to find out what parts of your car received damage to check that they are not still damaged.
Featured Image Credit: Cytonn Photography, Unsplash
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Ed Malaker
Ed Malaker is an experienced writer who has brought his knowledge to a wide range of blogs, including home improvement, guitars, computer programming, tools, fitness, and pets. If you don't catch him writing, you can usually find Ed working in the garden or taking on DIY projects around the house. Ed’s also a talented musician, spending time composing music for independent films or helping people fix their guitars.
Ed Malaker
