DMV California total loss question ?

Question

My aunt has an older Suburban and got in an accident. She is doing fine, nothing major happened. I want her suburban. Honestly the damage wasn’t all that bad in my opinion and I have people who can fix it. But the insurance is declaring it a total loss and sending her a check for it, she can keep the car for a cheap price and then sell it to me. There’s no question I’m keeping it and fixing it. She is in California and I am in Texas. My question is about the branding of the title...since her car has been declared a total loss, California law demands that she forfeits her clean title for a salvage one. Can I simply buy the car from her and register it in Texas without having to declare it salvage? I would save myself a lot  of time and money from the insurance I will need. It is a 2002 vehicle that I will keep for myself until it can’t run anymore, not tricking anyone and no one is profiting from this transaction in an illegal way. Has anyone had something similar or an experience in this?

Anonymous · Answer

Your INTENTION might be to keep it until it dies, but the LAW says it requires a salvage title.  You are aware that it makes it more difficult to insure the vehicle, right?

? · Answer

Texas is one state where the salvage title from another state will NOT be revealed on a Texas title.  You will end up with a clean Texas title

"Some states, because they have relaxed rules on car registration have become more likely to source title-washed cars than others. These states include New Jersey, North Carolina, Massachusetts, California, Georgia, Texas, Virginia, Washington, Tennessee, and Illinois."

regerugged · Answer

The aunt can buy back the salvage.  But she has to apply for a salvage certificate.  Then the vehicle gets repaired.  Then she has to have it inspected.  Then she has to apply for a Reconstructed vehicle title.  then she can sell the vehicle to you you via the R title.  Then you have to apply for a Texas title.  Good luck with all of that.

? · Answer

Lots of people have experiences exactly like this.  The vast majority will never put themselves through that hell ever again, but lots of people have done it.

And just so you know, no you don't have people who can fix it cheaper and no you can't legally transfer it to Texas (or any other jurisdiction) without them knowing it's branded as salvage.  You have to get it fixed and re-certified (in Texas) before you can drive it legally on the road.  That's the rule everywhere, no exceptions granted and no excuses accepted.  Even if it's legal to drive a salvage-branded vehicle in Texas, it's not legal to drive without insurance.  And no insurance company will touch a vehicle branded as salvage.  It's one of those double-whammy situations.

You can buy a salvage vehicle any time you want from any state you want, no problem.  That's how people buy parts cars, demo derby cars, lawn ornaments and flowerpots, and it's totally legal.  The hard part is getting it re-certified for road use, because that requires a whole other level of government approved inspection(s).  I've seen dozens of people buy a salvaged vehicle back from the insurance company, and I've seen grown men break down in tears from the frustration of the re-certification process.  It usually equals paying more than simply buying a used same year-make-model would ever cost, not to mention the frustration of the government process.

You can do it, but you're not going to be happy when it's all over.

Anonymous · Answer

CA DMV will issue a salvage certificate under the insurance company's name.  You can buy the car after your aunt gets a CA salvage title but you will need a Texas rebuilt title for the car to be registered and driven in Texas.

Getting a rebuilt title is not for those with a weak heart and a light wallet.  And with a CA salvage title, you have to flatbed the car from CA to Texas as it is unlikely that you will get insurance for it.

DMV California total loss question ?

5 Answers