Salvage & Title Brands
Understand salvage designations and title brands that affect vehicle value
When a vehicle is declared a total loss by an insurance company, or sustains damage that meets certain state-defined thresholds, the title is "branded" with a designation that permanently follows the vehicle. Understanding these brands is essential for anyone buying a used vehicle, as they directly affect safety, value, and insurability.
Common Title Brands
Salvage
The insurance company determined the cost to repair the vehicle exceeded its market value (typically 75-90%, depending on the state). The vehicle may still be repairable but is not road-legal until rebuilt and inspected.
Rebuilt / Reconstructed
A previously salvaged vehicle that has been repaired and passed a state safety inspection. It can be re-registered and driven on public roads, but the rebuilt brand remains on the title permanently.
Flood Damage
The vehicle was damaged by flooding or submersion. Water damage can cause severe corrosion, electrical failures, and mold growth that may not be immediately visible but worsen over time.
Fire Damage
The vehicle sustained significant fire damage. Even after repair, fire-damaged vehicles may have compromised wiring, weakened structural components, and lingering issues.
Hail Damage
The vehicle was damaged by hail. While often cosmetic (dents to body panels, cracked glass), severe hail can cause structural damage to roof panels and other components.
Lemon / Manufacturer Buyback
The manufacturer repurchased the vehicle under a state lemon law because it had a recurring defect that could not be repaired within a reasonable number of attempts during the warranty period.
Junk
The vehicle is not considered economically viable to repair and is designated for parts or scrap only. Junk-titled vehicles typically cannot be re-registered for road use in any state.
Parts Only
Similar to junk, the vehicle is suitable only for use as a parts donor. It cannot be registered, titled, or driven on public roads.
Odometer Brand (Exceeds / Not Actual)
The odometer reading is known to be inaccurate. This may indicate tampering, a replaced instrument cluster, or a mechanical odometer that has rolled past its maximum display.
Title Washing
Title washing is a fraudulent practice where a vehicle with a branded title is re-registered in a state that does not recognize the original brand, effectively "washing" the title clean. Because title branding laws vary by state, a salvage brand in one state may not transfer to another. Our reports check title records across all 50 states to help detect title washing.
Impact on Value and Insurance
- Resale value: Salvage and rebuilt vehicles typically sell for 20–40% less than comparable clean-title vehicles
- Insurance coverage: Many insurers will only offer liability coverage for rebuilt vehicles, not comprehensive or collision
- Financing: Most banks and credit unions will not finance vehicles with salvage or rebuilt titles
- Trade-in: Many dealerships will not accept branded-title vehicles as trade-ins
Should You Buy a Salvage or Rebuilt Vehicle?
Salvage and rebuilt vehicles can represent significant savings for informed buyers who understand the risks. The key is knowing exactly what damage occurred, how it was repaired, and whether the vehicle has passed a state rebuild inspection. Always have a rebuilt vehicle inspected by an independent mechanic before purchase, and verify that you can obtain adequate insurance coverage in your state.
Check a vehicle for title brands
Title brand history is included in every LookupVIN report.
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