Salvage Title

[GripR]

If the insurance company decided to pay out and give you the car (fender bender), what happens then as far as registration? Is it harder to get the vehicle insured?

I live in CA.

[Jesda]

Depends on the state. In stricter states, you need it repaired properly and then inspected by the state, usually by the highway patrol. Once you pass inspection, you go get your salvage title from the DMV.

Some people will move the car through different states to wash the salvage status from title. That would be illegal, of course, and in an accident could open you up to liability if you sold it.

[sportzguy38]

In California its not harder to get the vehicle insured, but after its fixed I believe you have to get a brake lamp and headlight inspection done at an approved station. Thats as far as I know. Salvage title only makes a difference on what the car is valued for the insurance.