Last Updated on December 15, 2025

Finding insurance can be tricky when a vehicle has a salvage or rebuilt title. Many carriers won’t insure a salvage-branded vehicle for on-road use, and some will limit coverage once it’s rebuilt.

The good news: once your vehicle is properly repaired and retitled as rebuilt (sometimes called “reconstructed” or “prior salvage,” depending on the state), you can often get coverage from large insurers like USAA, GEICO, State Farm, Progressive, and others.

Below is what salvage vs. rebuilt really means, how insurance typically works, and which companies commonly offer coverage for rebuilt-title cars.

Key Takeaways

• Most insurers won’t write a normal on-road policy for a vehicle that still has a salvage title — you typically need a rebuilt/reconstructed title first.
• Once the title is rebuilt, many major insurers may cover the car, but comprehensive and collision can be limited or require extra documentation.
• Expect insurers to ask for proof of repairs (receipts, photos, inspections) so they can understand what damage is pre-existing.
• The best way to find affordable rebuilt-title insurance is to compare multiple quotes and confirm coverage rules (especially comp/collision) before you buy the vehicle.

What Is a Salvage Title?

A vehicle may receive a salvage title after it’s declared a total loss—meaning the insurer determined repairs would cost too much compared to the vehicle’s value.

When that happens, the insurer may pay the owner the car’s value and then auction the car through a salvage auction. Buyers might purchase it for parts or repair it for a return to the road.

In most states, a salvage-titled car is not considered roadworthy and usually can’t be registered for normal driving until it’s repaired and passes the state’s requirements. That’s why most insurers won’t offer a standard auto policy for a salvage title vehicle intended for everyday road use.

You Usually Need a Rebuilt Title to Buy Car Insurance

In general, you can’t insure a vehicle for regular driving while it still has a salvage title. Instead, you’ll typically need to complete repairs and convert the title to rebuilt status first.

Every state’s process is different, but the usual steps look like this:

• Repair the vehicle to a safe, roadworthy condition (keep receipts and documentation).
• Complete required inspections (often safety + anti-theft or VIN verification).
• Apply for a rebuilt/reconstructed title through your DMV (and pay the fees).
• Get insurance and register the vehicle for road use.

Important: Some states may require proof of insurance at certain points in the process. If you’re rebuilding a salvage vehicle, check your DMV’s rules before spending money on repairs.

How Rebuilt Title Car Insurance Works

Rebuilt-title car insurance can look similar to ordinary auto insurance, but insurers may treat the vehicle differently because the car has a history of major damage.

Here’s what commonly changes:

• Coverage limits may be restricted. Some insurers will offer liability insurance but may be hesitant to offer collision and comprehensive coverage—or they may offer them only after extra review.
• More documentation may be required. Expect requests for photos, inspection paperwork, and repair receipts so the insurer understands what was fixed and what pre-existing damage exists.
• Claim payouts may reflect the branded title. Because rebuilt/salvage branding can reduce market value, the car’s “actual cash value” in a total-loss claim may be lower than a comparable clean-title vehicle.

If you need “full coverage,” also read: full coverage insurance and salvage titles.

The Best Insurance Companies for Cars with Salvage Titles

You generally can’t buy standard on-road insurance for a car that still has a salvage title. But once it’s properly repaired and retitled as rebuilt, many insurers will consider it—sometimes with coverage limitations.

Some well-known companies that commonly offer insurance for rebuilt title cars include:

• Allstate
• USAA
• GEICO
• Farmers
• State Farm
• Progressive
• Liberty Mutual
• 21st Century
• The Hartford
• National General
• Safeco
• Esurance
• Infinity
• American Family

Note: Availability can change by state and over time, and some brands may redirect you to a parent company or sister brand when you try to quote. If you’re declined online, call an agent—rebuilt-title underwriting is often handled case-by-case.

If you qualify for USAA membership, USAA can be a strong option—especially if you want solid service and competitive pricing. But it’s still worth comparing quotes.

How to Buy Rebuilt Title Car Insurance

If you have a rebuilt title car and want the best mix of price and protection, focus on the steps that matter most to insurers:

• Compare quotes from multiple providers. Rebuilt-title pricing varies a lot. One company may decline you while another offers a reasonable rate.
• Get the title status right first. Most insurers want the vehicle titled as rebuilt/reconstructed before they’ll write a normal policy for on-road use.
• Be ready with documentation. Keep repair receipts, inspection paperwork, and photos (before/after). Insurers may ask for proof of what was repaired and when.
• Ask specifically about comp/collision. If you want more than liability-only coverage, confirm whether the insurer offers comp/collision on rebuilt titles and if there are special requirements.
• Consider classic/collector insurance (when it fits). Some classic cars have rebuilt titles after a past loss and restoration. If the car is a true collector vehicle, you may want to compare classic car insurance quotes—just disclose the rebuilt title upfront.

How Much Does Rebuilt Title Car Insurance Cost?

There isn’t a single “average” cost that applies to rebuilt-title insurance nationwide. Your price depends on your state, driving record, vehicle, coverage levels, deductibles, and whether you’re buying liability-only or trying to add comp/collision.

In many cases, rebuilt-title cars are insured with liability coverage (sometimes because it’s the only option offered). If you qualify for comp/collision, expect the insurer to price based on the vehicle’s value—which may be lower than a comparable clean-title vehicle.

Your best move is to request quotes from several carriers and ask each one the same questions: (1) “Will you insure a rebuilt title in my state?” and (2) “Will you offer comp/collision, and what documentation do you need?”

Other Frequently Asked Questions

Final Word on the Best Car Insurers for Cars With Salvage Titles

Most drivers can’t get standard on-road insurance for a vehicle that still has a salvage title.

However, many insurers will offer coverage once the car is repaired, inspected, and retitled as rebuilt. If you’re shopping for rebuilt title insurance, start with major carriers like GEICO, State Farm, Progressive, and The Hartford, then compare multiple quotes to find the best fit for your state and your vehicle.