The Difference Between a Salvage Title and a Rebuilt Title

When considering buying a vehicles with a “branded” title, understanding the difference between salvage and rebuilt is key:

1. Salvage Title

A salvage title is assigned to a vehicle declared a total loss by an insurance company due to severe damage, environmental incident, or theft. Vehicles with salvage titles are not legally drivable and often sold to scrap yards, auction houses, or individuals for repair projects.

2. Rebuilt Title

A rebuilt title is issued after a salvage vehicle has been repaired or recovered and inspected by the state to ensure it meets safety and roadworthiness standards. Once a vehicle passes inspection, it can be legally driven and sold.

Key Difference

The primary distinction between salvage and rebuilt titles lies in their legal status: salvage titles mark a vehicle as damaged and undrivable, while rebuilt titles indicate a  vehicle has been repaired and restored to proper function.

Use ReVroom

At ReVroom, we focus on helping users buy and sell rebuilt title vehicles – No salvage, junk, or lemon branded vehicles allowed. 

Interested to see what’s out there? Click here to browse local listings and here to explore other topics related to buying, selling, and owning a rebuilt title vehicle.