Title brands
Rebuilt title vs salvage title
Salvage and rebuilt titles both signal prior serious damage, but they describe different stages of the vehicle title process.
Salvage usually means not road-ready
A salvage title often appears before the vehicle has passed required repairs or inspections for road use.
Rebuilt means repaired and inspected
A rebuilt title generally means the vehicle was repaired and passed a required inspection, but it still carries a branded history.
Buyer checklist
Check photos before repair, invoices, inspection documents, alignment, airbags, frame condition and whether your insurer will cover the car.
Check the VIN before you decide
Start with a free VIN decode, then continue to a full report when the vehicle is worth serious consideration.
This guide is for vehicle research only. Always verify documents, inspect the vehicle and review provider coverage before purchase.