Are you looking for a new or used car? If so, you might want to know more about a rebuilt title. Generally, cars with a rebuilt title differ from some vehicles because of their history.
If you’re not familiar with what a rebuilt title is, it’s critical to have deep insights into it to help you determine whether a rebuilt title car is for you. To know more information, click here and read the information below to make a well-informed decision.
What Is A Rebuilt Title?
New cars come with a clean or clear title, which indicates that they’re in good running condition and haven’t sustained any damage. A clear title may also apply to a car that you own outright or a financed one.
When a vehicle sustains significant damage in a catastrophic accident or from flood, vandalism or theft of parts, the insurance company may consider it a total loss. If that’s the case, repairing or rebuilding the car tends to be more expensive than getting rid of it. In some instances, the carrier will provide you with a settlement and take the car.
To recoup its loss, insurance providers may decide to sell the totaled vehicle to a business that rebuilds cars. Many states issue a salvage title to the new owners when selling totaled cars to rebuilders. This informs future buyers that the vehicle was once considered a total loss.
However, it’s essential to note that a rebuilt title doesn’t apply to cars with a history of minor fender benders. It only applies to vehicles that were considered a total loss.
When the business successfully rebuilds the cars to the point where they can be used on the road again and passes the required inspections, they can resell the car. With this kind of transaction, the state will give a rebuilt title to the new owner. Therefore, a rebuilt title indicates that an insurance provider once considered the vehicle a total loss, but it was then reconstructed to a condition that passed the state inspection.
Should You Consider A Car With A Rebuilt Title?
It depends on your circumstances. On the contrary, purchasing a car with a rebuilt title can be a terrific deal. Since these cars should pass stringent tests in different states before getting a rebuilt title, you can ensure they’re in great condition. In addition, because such vehicles once had a salvage title, their resale value is lower, enabling you to save more money when looking for the perfect ride.
However, there are some downsides you should consider. Just because a vehicle has passed state inspection doesn’t mean that it’ll be safe for the long haul. Moreover, getting insurance for this car can be tricky. Thus, while you may get it at a low price, you might not get the best value for your investment once you sell it.
Hence, before purchasing a car with a rebuilt title, always consider the following:
- The severity of the damage
- How the car got damaged
- The car repair process and where it was repaired
- Whether your insurance company is willing to cover a rebuilt car
- Whether the car was evaluated by a certified or professional mechanic
Pros And Cons Of A Car With A Rebuilt Title
It’s never a bad idea to buy a car with a rebuilt title. Below are some of the pros and cons of a rebuilt car:
- You Can Check The Vehicle’s History
If you wish to buy a car with a rebuilt title and its current owner isn’t providing you with the documentation you need, checking the car’s history is another way to get valuable information. You may get in touch with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in your area or use another service provider to get the data you want.
It’s important to know the car’s history or how the car entered a salvaged state. Then review the extent of the repairs to understand your car’s future maintenance needs.
- The Car Has To Pass A State Inspection
Sometimes, people are leery of the idea of buying a rebuilt car. However, there are specific laws in place to avoid most problems. Typically, cars should pass a state inspection before qualifying for this status. Although some models might not be as inexpensive as others, you can enjoy more savings on the quality of the repair.
- Some Damages Are More Manageable
If your budget is tight, a rebuilt car is worth purchasing once it reaches salvage title status since it was vandalized and stolen without extensive damage. Any vehicle with no significant structural damage after an accident is worth pursuing.
- It Can Be Difficult To Get Insurance
Your vehicle could be in tip-top shape, but a rebuilt car is a different story because it can be radioactive to other insurance companies. In other cases, an insurance company may refuse to sell you comprehensive or collision insurance, which covers damage to your vehicle. But they would agree to offer you liability insurance that covers damage you cause to other people. In most states, liability coverage is mandatory, but comprehensive and collision are optional.
- Past Damages May Cause Problems In The Future
Even if you’ve tried to inspect your preferred car thoroughly before closing the deal, vehicles are complex, and things may go wrong. Some mechanical problems that appear to be fixed might cost you more in repairs in the future. A type of damage you should know is flooding, which might not be obvious but can cause major issues as the metal corrodes.
- It Can Be Difficult To Sell
Once you decide to sell your rebuilt car, you might not be able to sell it quickly. It’s because most people are wary of buying a car with a rebuilt title due to its history.
Conclusion
Buying a car with a rebuilt title involves risk. However, at the end of the day, the choice is yours. Regardless of your budget or personal preferences when shopping for a car, you can never go wrong with a rebuilt car as long as you know its history and gather other useful information about its previous records. If you’re unsure about your choice, you can always ask for help from professionals to make a wise decision.
