Salvage vs rebuilt vs clean vs junk title — what's the difference?
A clean title has no damage brand. Salvage means an insurer declared the vehicle a total loss — it cannot be driven on public roads until rebuilt and inspected. Rebuilt is a former salvage that passed state inspection and is road-legal again. Junk (or parts-only) cannot be re-titled for road use in any state.
Title brands follow the vehicle for life and are recorded with the state DMV. They directly affect insurability, financing, resale value, and in some cases registration eligibility.
Clean title vehicles have never been declared a total loss, never had a flood/fire/hail brand applied, and pass standard registration without inspection. This is the baseline.
Salvage title is issued when an insurer pays out a total-loss claim — typically when repair cost exceeds 70–80% of pre-loss value, though the threshold varies by state. A salvage car cannot be legally driven on public roads. To use it again, the buyer must repair, pass a state salvage inspection, and apply for a rebuilt title.
Rebuilt title (also called prior salvage or reconstructed) means the rebuild was completed and inspected. Road-legal in all states, but expect 20–40% lower resale value, limited financing, and some insurance carriers will only write liability — not collision.
Junk title (also called parts-only, non-repairable, or certificate of destruction) is the most restrictive brand. The vehicle cannot be re-titled for road use under any circumstances. Legally, it is only good for parts harvest or scrap.
Frequently asked
Can I register a salvage-title car in my state?
Not until it has been repaired, passed your state's salvage inspection, and re-titled as rebuilt. Process and fees vary — check your state DMV before buying.
Will insurance cover a rebuilt-title vehicle?
Most carriers will write liability coverage. Comprehensive and collision are limited or unavailable from major carriers. Specialty insurers (Hagerty, State Farm in some states) will write full coverage at higher premiums.
Is it legal to buy a junk-title car?
Yes, but only for parts. You cannot register or drive it on public roads. Some states require the title be surrendered before parts harvest.